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A HANDBOOK 
OF VIRGINIA 

TIT- 



RICHMOND 

Everett Waddey Co., Prixters 

1909 






Department of AgTiciiltiire and Inimigration 
of the State of Vir^^inia 



Officers of the Board 

President . Secretary 

JNO. W. CHURCHMAN B. D. ADAMS 

Staunton, Va. Red Oak, Va. 



GEORGE W. KOINER, Commissioner 
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 



0. Of 0- 



VIRGINIA 



INTRODUCTION 

Almost every man born outside the borders of the Old Dominion 
has found occas on to comment on the enthusiasm with which Vir- 
ginians discuss their native State. Indeed, the Virginian among 
strangers is regarded as something more than an enthusiast — he is 
put down as a rhapsodist. No clime, whatever its charms, can 
divorce him from his native hearth; his thoughts ever revert to 
the State of his birth, and, hke the Celestial who prays that his 
ashes may repose in the land of his forefathers, he always turns to 
the Old Dominion when he feels that his days are being numbered. 

Regarding the matter from the standpoint of one who has never 
dwelt in Virginia, this home instinct of her people seems almost 
incomprehensible, but the fact finds ready explanation among those 
who have lived in the time-honored Commonwealth. Once a house- 
holder establishes his hearthstone in the Old Dominon, the subtle 
charm of the State holds him enthralled and adds the stranger 
to the long list of the so-called rhapsodists. 

In days agone it has been said that the people of the State 
which claims Washington and Lee as her sons are wont to dwell in 
the past and to drowse their way through life with memories of 
what has been. And, surely, if ever this species of lotus-eating 
were pardonable in any case, it should be in .the Virginian, for 
behind him are three centuries of glorious history. 

But the charge of inertia has now grown obsolete ; today it would 
fall for want of truth. Time was when it seemed as if Virginia had 
grown inert and supine, but out of this very inertia was to be born 
her salvation. 

Staggering under the wounds inflicted by the war of secession 
— staggering when other less spirited communities would have 
fallen never to rise again — she bravely faced the changed conditions 
and wrought order out of chaos. Surely this was no task for 
rhapsodists. 

And yet it must be admitted that the Hand which tempers the 
wind for the shorn lamb guided Virginia in those dark days and 



opened her eyes to opportunities within her borders which never 
before had been reahzed. Mayhap the Old Dominion, even 
after the first light of her illimitable resources had burst on 
her vision, was still slow to see and understand her wealth; but 
to-day it is fully recognized, and her people are rejoicing in, h,^f 3 
blessings. 

When the quaint little ships Discovery, Susan Constant, and 
Good Speed sailed up James River one sunny April day in the year 
1607, the small company, which had braved the terrors of raging 
seas and the hazards of fate in an unexplored country, looked 
upon low shores covered with flowers of "divers colors" and saw the 
horizon fringed with "goodly trees" in full foliage. The Arcadian 
land, it is said, sent a perfumed breath of its attractions far out to 
ocean long before these pioneers in Anglo-Saxon civilization reached 
the borders of the Old Dominion; but it was perhaps a century 
later before the English saw even dimly the extent of the terrestrial 
treasure they had discovered. And not until two or three decades 
ago did the world awaken to the fact that Virginia's, charms were 
something more than skin deep — that beneath her soil lay riches 
even more desirable than her superb agricultural resources. 

The tale, in sooth, is but half told yet, and it is marvelous in 
the telling. Statisticians, it is true, can mathematically demon- 
strate the blessings of the ancient Commonwealth, and this they 
have already done, but the Old Dominion, to be duly appreciated, 
must be seen and known by personal contact. 

It seems as it the Master Hand that created this favored section 
and limned it in undying colors on the map of the universe foresaw 
at the very dawn of things that destiny had writ an inspiring 
history for Virginia — that after her metamorphosis from a wilder- 
ness into a smiling panorama of plantations she was to undergo the 
travail of hideous wars, which in turn were to be succeeded by 
conditions almost Utopian. With all her proud traditions of the 
past the Old Dominion has yet to reach her zenith. The years 
that have been put behind her are the years of a formative period; 
the decades that are to come will mark the fruition of her hopes. 
Henceforth industry, as exemplified in a hundred forms, will be 
her gracious helpmeet. And with such support what State can 
fail? Nor must the Virginian of future years walk in a narrow 
path, for he has many fields of usefulness in which he may expand. 
Never did any^ country under the sun offer more diversity of 



opportunity or finer chances for the founding of fortunes than 
does this State. 

Geographically speaking, the Old Dominion is little short of 
amazing. Within her borders are the immaculate shores of the 
Atlantic, a plenteous Tidewater section, and then a rolling Pied- 
mont country that gradually undulates from green hillocks to blue 
hills, which in turn are succeeded by fertile mountains of no mean 
altitude. The man who feels himself affected in his daily work by 
the surrounding landscape can take his choice of any style of 
scenery. He will find it all in Virginia, provided he does not 
demand that Titanic ruggedness which, though astounding to the 
eye, is the synonym of barrenness and desolation. The landscape 
features of the Old Dominion, in short, may be described as 
"peaceful." And well it should be so, for the old State yields 
her riches readily and gives plenty to those who show industry 
or even a moderate degree of perseverance. Her soil is ever grate- 
ful and her very atmosphere invigorating. No feature of this 
venerable ''Mother of Presidents" is harsh— neither her scenery, 
her climate, her laws, nor her children. This doubtless is what 
makes Virginians love her. Those whose forebears have lived 
within the limits of the Commonwealth know that she is a gentle, 
kindly mother, and this responsiveness and gratitude of her sons 
is necessarily innate. But for the stranger, Virginia has the same 
welcome which has been accorded those who claim her as the 
place of their nativity. "Benevolent assimilation" might well be 
adopted as her motto. 

When one recalls the history of Virginia, it soon appears that the 
present conditions existing in the State show a wide departure 
from the original plans of those who felled her virgin forests and 
pushed the red man aside for the people of to-day. The colonists 
to whom we owe our existence were prompted by not altogether 
unselfish motives in founding an English settlement at Jamestown. 
Their prime object— or rather that of those who financed the 
movement— was the discovery of gold. For some fantastic reason 
it was believed that Virginia would prove an El Dorado, and many 
were the months— if not years— wasted by the pioneers in vainly 
seeking for the yellow metal. True, gold in recent years has 
been discovered in the State and even now is mined in no incon- 
siderable quantities, but it is not to this metal that the Old Domin- 
ion owes her prestige. 



After the English abandoned this senseless occupation, the 
whilom argonauts drifted into the cultivation of tobacco, and for 
decades, this was their chief occupation. This crop, which even 
to-day is one of the staples of the Commonwealth, had a far-reach- 
ing effect upon the economic conditions of the State. The colonists 
in cultivating their tobacco, found that the plant constantly re- 
quired new" soil, and, as a consequence, they pushed farther and 
farther into the wilderness from Jamestown. This policy soon pre- 
vented centralization of population and rapidly began to make 
Virginia a State of huge plantations and comparatively small settle- 
ments. The conditions in New England were just the opposite. 

For nearly two centuries the same process of territorial expansion 
went on in the Old Dominion, and to-day its farm lands reach from 
the ocean to the high hills on her western borders, while no vast 
cities have been created to menace her peace and draw away her 
rural population from the fields. But although Virginia tobacco 
still has a world-wide fame — a name to conjure with — the aro- 
matic "weed" no longer is King in the old Commonwealth. Far- 
mers long since have discovered that the sod of the Old Dominion, 
aided by a delightful climate, is a willing producer of scores of prof- 
itable crops which would sustain the people luxuriously even 
though there were no such blessed thing as tobacco. 

Indeed, scores of new industries have come to the front in 
recent years, and though the tobacco planter still works his stately 
fields, he finds thousands of Virginians who never give this fasci- 
nating crop a thought. In some sections the fruit-raising industry 
has a monopoly and the products of its heavily-laden orchards are 
gaining a degree of celebrity which is transoceanic. Albemarle 
apples, in fact, are said to have daily graced the tables of the late 
Queen Victoria, while the State's vineyards are producing wines 
which lack nothing to put them in competion with those of France 
and Germany. 

Although farming in the Old Dominion was never so profitable 
as now, and although the early tendencies of the colony indicated 
that Virginia could never be aught but an agricultural State, in- 
vestigations of recent years have proved almost the opposite. The 
State is as rich in minerals as she is in her vegetable products. 
It is little short of astonishing to note the variety of her minerals, 
and the richness of the veins in which thev lie. 



The southwestern part of the State, wherein are located most of 
the mines to-day, fairly hums with machinery, and year by year, 
as the railroads extend their branches, this favored section is in- 
creasing in prosperity and wealth. There are many who predict 
that this part of Virginia is destined to lead all the State; but the 
past has shown that it is not safe to prophesy about the Old 
Dominion. Nor could one persuade a fox-hunting Virginian from 
Tidewater that his environments had lost one whit of their charms, 
while those in the rolling Piedmont region would be equally as 
stubborn in making concessions. The truth is that Virginia's post 
helium renaissance has hieant improvement in every direction — 
practical results that would have seemed incredible to our fore- 
fathers or even to the good people of fifty years ago. 




This state of affairs, however, is not attributable alone to native 
Virginians. Much of it is owing to those from other States and 
countries who have settled here. Millions in wealth have poured 
into Virginia since the surrender at Appomattox, and every day 
sees new families in the Old Dominion. The welcome for all of 
these is warm. It could not be otherwise, for the hospitality of the 
Virginian is innate — a precious legacy of picturesque ancestors, 
whose isolation made them rejoice at the very sight of a new-comer. 
Fortunately, however, the charms of the State have drawn hither 
only the most desirable classes — people whose presence would 
strengthen any community. The Commonwealth has been spared 
the heterogeneous hordes that invade many other States. 



9 

While, as has been explained, the cultivation of various crops 
in early times at once marked Virginia out for an agricultural 
State with widely separated towns and villages, her cities recently 
have gone forward with tremendous strides and are rapidly taking 
first place in the galaxy of American municipalities. The capital 
of the Commonwealth- — Richmond — is a town which could never 
lose her individuality, her stability, or her charm. Her history 
alone would perpetuate her, but to-day she stands strong and serene 
on her seven hills like the Eternal City and presents a curious con- 
posite picture of culture, thrift, progressiveness and quaint adher- 
ence to old traditions and customs. No degree of prosperity ajid 
no influx of wealth could make Richmond abandon some of her 
social ideas, nor would she surrender the pride in her past for all 
the riches of Golconda; but she has profited by observation none 
the less. From her people have etoanatecl practical ideas and 
practical suggestions, which have attracted attention everywhere. 
Her lessons have been learnt at no little sacrifice; having been 
learned, they have been productive of splendid results. 

And nothing less should be said of the other cities in the Com- 
monwealth. Some of these are well-nigh as venerable as Rich- 
mond, while others, equally as thrifty and almost as well populated, 
have sprung up almost in a night as the result of new industries 
never dreamed of five decades ago. The time-honored Common- 
wealth, indeed, now walks with quickened step despite the-lapse of 
nearly three centuries. Her elasticity is the child of prosperity. 
A magnificent exposition to mark her tercentenary will show to the 
world in 1907 what Virginia has been, is now, and what she will 
be in centuries to come. This grand enterprise means much for 
the Old Dominion, but after all it will only be a colossal tableau 
vivant, whose details are already known to all those who have lived 
in Virginia. Strangers, however, will be amazed by what they 
behold. 

But enough — another Virginian may be accused of rhapsodizing, 
for these lines are penned by way of preface. Were they to appear 
in this volume as an after-word — a word following the detailed 
account of Virginia's charms and resources — the most unrespon- 
sive would say that their apparent hyperbole is more than justified. 
And could the alien who reads this book visit Virginia, he would 
admit that no rhetoric describing the Old Dominion can be much 
too fervid or too florid. Evan R. Chesterman. 



11 



WHAT THE GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA SAYS. 

The following extract from Goyernor I'laude A. Swanson's in- 
augural address delivered before the Legislature Februai\y 1, 1906, 
presents, in brief, an excellent review of the climate and soil and 
the agricultural, mineral and commeicial resources of the State : 

"There is a Virginia of the past resplendent with the heroic 
achievements of a great and glorious people : tliere is a Virginia of 
the present crowned with possibilities tliat can surpass the sphndors 
of the proud past and make all that has gone before in her historv 
but the prelude to a greater destiny. 

"ISTo State in this Union has richer or more xaiied resources than 
Virginia. Her mild, warm, equable climate furnislies a lefage 
alike to those scorched by the suns of the South or chilled by the 
winds of the North. There is not an agricultural product known 
to the temperate zone that cannot be profitably, and is not success- 
fully, raised in Virginia. In extreme Southside Virginia are seen 
great white fields of cotton, as ricli in beauty and luxuriant in 
growth as can be found in North Carolina or Georgia. In Pied- 
mont and Southern Virginia are produced the great crops of tobacco 
which largely constitute the world's supply. The magnificent Val- 
ley of Virginia, raising great crops of wheat, corn, oats, and hay is 
almost unspeakable in her prodigality of production. The -beautiful 
liilltops and mountains of Southwest and Northern A^irginia, with 
their spontaneous and perennial growth of blue grass, have brows- 
ing on them herds of cattle and sheep. This lovely section, with its 
witchery of scenery, salubriousness of climate, rich return fo"'' in- 
vestments, forms a combination rarely seen, and unsurpassed by any 
section of this Union. In Eastern and Tidewater Virginia we have 
large truck farms and gardens, which furnish the vast population 
of the Eastern cities with their vegetables and foods. The profits 
of this industry are already immense, but the industry is still in its 
infancy and its possibilities for the future are immeasurable. No- 
where can fruit grow to greater perfection tlian in A^irginia, and 
her great crops of apples, peaches and grapes are bringing her im- 
mense returns and have brighter promises for the future. There is 
not a farm product known to the temperate zone that cannot be 
raised in the varied soil, climate and conditions of A^irginia. Every- 



1 o 

where in the State are seen evidences of intelligent and scientific 
farming, of progress and prosjDerity. The increase in farm products 
and values in recent years has been striking and excelled by few 
States in the Union. We have produced this immense agricultural 
wealth, and yet not more than half our land is under cultivation. 
When the population of Virginia, which is each year rapidly in- 
creasing, shall put under cultivation the entire soil, the farming 
wealth of the State Avill be amazing. With near and accessible 
markets, no State offers finer opportunities or greater inducements 
to farmers than Virginia. 

"coal a^T) ores.'' 

"But, great as our advantages in agriculture, our superiority 
in other directions is still more ^^re-eminent. There is scarcely a 
useful mineral known to modern civilization that is not found and 
cannot be successfully mined in Virginia. We have zinc, copper, 
iron and coal mines all in profitable operation. We have demon- 
strated that iron can be produced here as cheaply as elsewhere, 
and the products of our furnaces are distributed to all parts of 
the world. Coal is the foundation of the marvelous industrial 
advance of this century. Upon it Great Britain built her naval, 
commercial and manufacturing supremacy. Already in Vii'ginia 
and the eastern part of West Virginia, which, from its location, 
must be used and developed through Virginia, have been disclosed 
almost as many square miles of coal, and of superior quality, as 
that upon which Great Britain established her great pre-eminence. 
The imagination cannot picture the vast manufactures, the varied 
industrial enterprises which the possession of this vast supply of 
coal will bring to Virginia. Besides, the rivers than run from 
our mountains to the seashore, the Potomac, Shenandoah, Eappa- 
hannock, Appomattox, James, and others, are possessed of immense 
water power, capable of operating large and innumerable establish- 
ments. 

"In Chesapeake Bay, which skirts our Eastern Shore, we have 
the finest and safest harbors on the Atlantic coast. This bay is the 
finest body of inland water in the world, and upon its smooth sur- 
face could ride almost the world's fleets and navies. These magnifi- 
cent harbors offer opportunities for greater mercantile and com- 
mercial enterprises, world-wide in their trade and scope The great 



15 

increase in our exports and foreign commei'ce give proof of tiie 
future greatness of these ports. The nearness and cheapness of 
coal to these harbors furnish the best location on this continent 
for manufacturing industries with products to be distributed in 
the markets of the world. 



The Manufacturers^ Eecord of December 1, 1905^ says: 

"While it is true that the industrial development of the South 
is going forward with amazing rapidity, it is nevertheless true that 
by virtue of the extent of the agricultural interests of the South, 
agriculture is yet the foundation of the business of that section. 
A change from poverty to prosperity of the farmers, and a change 
from land without a selling value to land in demand at an advance 
of 50 to 150 per cent, over the nominal price of one or two years ago, 
is the most far-reaching development in Southern advancement of 
the last quarter of a century. It is far-reaching in many ways. It 
means that within the last year or two Southern farm properties 
have increased not less than $1,000,000,000 in value, probably at 
least $1,500,000,000. 

"The realization by the people of the entire South, bankers, 
merchants and farmers, of the power of co-operation in the proper 
handling and marketing of the two great staples — cotton and 
tobacco — has brought about a community of interest which is 
destined to exert a very great influence upon the entire business 
interests of the South and of that portion of the business world 
which is in any way dependent upon these staples or upon the 
general prosperity of the South." 

The Virginia people set such esteem upon the agricultural inter- 
ests of the State, and the promotion of the various departments of 
its agricultural industries, that they have incorporated in their 
constitution, their organic law, a department of agriculture and 
immigration to be under the management and control of a bureau 
of agriculture. This publication is made b}' the Commissioner of 
Agriculture in accordance with the requirements of an act of 
Assembly. 

It is the object of this handbook to present the agricultural and 
industrial features of the State, together with its climate and 



ir 

topographical advantages, in such a way as to show that the State of 
Virginia, old in its history and hoary in its traditions, is exhibiting 
a new life of activity and enterprise and, turning her back upon 
the past, is setting her face toward the rising sun, whose advent 
is gilding the East with a golden splendor. 

A free use has been made of the antecedent text-books, and their 
descriptions, statements, and statistics have been availed of in the 
preparation of this manual. "I take all knowledge for my pro- 
vince," said Lord Bacon. In that spirit the author of this hand- 
book has appropriated whatever seemed of practical value, wher- 
ever found. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. 

jSTo State in the Union offers more attractive inducements, and ex- 
tends a more inviting hand, to the home-seeker than Virginia. 
In climate, diversity of soils, fruits, forests, water supply, mineral 
deposits, and variety of landscape, including mountain and valley, 
liill and dale, she offers advantages that are unsurpassed. Truly 
did Captain John Smith, the adventurous and dauntless father of 
Virginia, suggest that "Heaven and earth never agreed better to 
frame a place for man's habitation." 

Virginia is centrally situated in the Atlantic tier of States, 
being midway between Maine and Florida. It lies between the 
extremes of heat and cold, removed alike from the sultry, protracted 
summers of the more southern States, and the severe winters and 
devasting storms and cyclones of the north and northwest. Its 
limits north and south are the latitudes of 39 degrees 27 seconds 
and 36 degrees 31 seconds, corresponding to California and South- 
ern Europe. The area of the State is 42,450 square miles, of 
Avhich 2,325 are covered with water. There are 40,125 square 
miles, or 25,680,000 acres, of land. The State is a little larger 
than Tennessee, Kentucky, or Ohio, and not quite so large as Penn- 
sylvania. The extreme length of the State along its southern 
border is 440 miles. The extreme width from north to south is 
192 miles. 

NATURAL DIVISIONS. 

Virginia is divided into five natural divisions, consisting of 
belts of country extending across the State from northeast to south- 
west, and succeeding each other from the Atlantic coast to the west- 



19 

ern State line. They rise in successive steps from the sea level, and 
differ in natural scenery, climate, soil and productions. These 
natural divisions are known as Tidewater, • Middle Virginia, the 
, Piedmont, the Valley, and Appalachia. 

The Tidewater, or coastal plain, is part of the lowland that skirts 
the seashore from New York to the Gulf of Mexico. The visible 
outer or . eastern boundary of Tidewater is the coast line of the 
State; but in reality it continues seaward many miles, forming a 
great submarine terrace, or shelf. Its inland or western boundary 
is a line extending from Widewater on the Potomac river below 
Alexandria, through Fredericksburg, Eichmond, Petersburg, Em- 
poria, in Greenesville county, to the Korth Carolina line This west- 
ern boundary, though somewhat irregular, does not vary much from 
a straight line. The Tidewater section is penetrated by four naTi- 
gable rivers that cut deep channels, with alluvial bottoms of rare 
fertility, and inland ports for ocean steamers. 

Middle Virginia is a wide, undulating plain extending from the 
western boundary of Tidewater to the Piedmont belt. It is the 
largest of the five natural divisions, and comprises more than one- 
fourth of the State. 

The Piedmont Region, as the name implies, lies along the foot of 
the mountains, and forms the base of the Blue Eidge, varying in 
width from twenty to thirty miles. It is a portion of the belt that 
begins in ISTew England and stretches thence southward to Georgia 
and Alabama. It extends, therefore, across the State from Mary- 
land to North Carolina. 

The Valley of Virginia is the belt of rolling country lying be- 
tween the Blue Eidge on the east, and the broken ranges, known 
collectively as the Alleghanies, on the west. Its length is over 
three hundred miles, and its average width about twenty. It is 
the most productive and picturesque portion of the great limestone 
valley that stretches from Canada to Alabama. Though one con- 
tinuous valley, it is subdivided into many minor ones by detached 
ranges and the troughs of five rivers that penetrate it. It is very 
fertile, producing grasses and grain in abundance, and is often 
spoken of as the ''Garden Spot of the State." 

The Appalachian Region is the most western section of the 
State, consisting of twelve rugged counties, traversed by the Alle- 
ghanies proper, and their numerous spurs and minor ranges, being 



21 

a portion of the Appalachian system of mountains. These ranges 
inclose long trough-like valleys that are admirably adapted to graz- 
ing, as are also the sides and slopes of the mountains. 

Comprehensively stated, the above are the five grand divisions of 
the State according to its natural conformation. There are other 
and smaller subdivisions which bear names that have a local sig- 
nification. These are the Eastern Shore, consisting of the coun- 
ties of Accomac and Northampton, that compose the southern ter- 
mination of the fruitful peninsula which separates Chesapeake 
Bay from the Atlantic ocean; the Northern Neck, a long and nar- 
row strip, lying between the Potomac and Eappahannock rivers; 
the Peninsula, distinctively so called to discriminate it from the 
other and smaller necks of land formed by many of the rivers and 
estuaries of the Tidewater section; this Peninsula li-es between the 
York and James rivers; the Southside, composed of the counties 
east of the Blue Eidge and between the James river and the south- 
ern border of the State; and Blue Eidge, consisting of the three 
picturesque counties of Floyd, Carroll, and Grayson, with an area 
of 1,230 square miles, forming part of the elevated plateau into 
which the Blue Eidge chain or system expands in the southwestern 
portion of the State. 

MORE PARTICULAR DESCRIPTION. 

A somewhat more particular description of these natural divis- 
ions of the State, their topographical features, productions and re- 
sources, waterways and climate, may be of interest. 

Tidewater Virginia, or the Coastal Plain, as it is sometimes 
called, comprises approximately one-fourth of the State. It re- 
ceives the name of Tidewater from the fact that the streams that 
penetrate it feel the ebb and flow of the tides from the ocean up 
to the head of navigation on the line that separates it from Middle 
Virginia. It consists altogether of lowlands, having an average 
altitude of about 150 feet along its inner or western border (the 
line that separates it from Middle Virginia) and inclining seaward 
until, at the coast line, it dips beneath the Atlantic. It consists 
chiefly of broad and generally level plains, while a considerable 
portion, nearest to the bay, is occupied by shallow bays and estua- 
ries, and by marshes that are in most instances reached by the 
ocean tides. These marshes abound with wild duck and sora. 
Tidewater is mainly an alluvial country. The soil is chiefly light, 



22- 

sandy loam, underlaid with cla}^ The alluvial deposits are enriched 
by the decomposition of shells, forming extensive beds of marl. 
Its principal productions are fruits and early vegetables, which are 
raised in extensive "market gardens," and shipped in large quan- 
tities to northern cities. This is called "trucking," and is a lucra- 
tive business. The trade in potatoes, strawberries, peanuts 
etc., is especially large, and last year yielded altogether in 
the State -some $12,000,000. The fertilizing minerals — gypsum, 
marl and greensand — abound, and their judicious use readily re- 
stores the lands when exhausted by improvident cultivation. 




BACHELOR, A VIRGINIA BRED HORSE. 

Middle Yirginia is a wide undulating plain, crossed by many 
rivers that have cut their channels to a considerable depth, and are 
bordered by alluvial bottom lands that are very productive. The 
soils consists of clays, with a subsoil of disintegrated sandstone rocks 
that supply additional elements of fertility. The soil of Virginia 
varies according to the nature of the rock from which it is formed. 
The lowlands of Tidewater are marked by light, sandy loam, with 
substratum of clay, enriched by the decomposition of shells, form- 
ing marl banks, or beds. In Middle and Piedmont Virginia the 
surface, in general, consists of clay, with subsoil of disintegrated 
sandstone rocks. In the Valley and Appalachia, limestone soil pre- 
dominates. This section (Middle Virginia) has for its eastern 
border the rocky rim of Tidewater, where the average elevation 



23 

above the ocean is about 150 feet. It gradually rises towards its 
western limit at Piedmont, where it attains a maximum elevation 
of 500 feet. This is the largest of the natural divisions, and con- 
tains some 12,500 square miles. Nowhere on the continent can 
there be found a region so generally penetrated by navigable 
streams. Four large rivers, having thei]" sources in the Piedmont 
and Appalachian region, traverse the Tidewater and Middle A'^ir- 
ginia sections. The Potomac below Washington, the Eappahan- 
nock below Fredericksburg, the York, and the James below Eich- 
mond, rise and fall with the ocean tides, and are navigable from 
Chesapeake bay. Below the tidewater line (or head of navigation) 
they broaden, and are sometimes miles in width. 

The principal agricultural productions of Middle Virginia are 
corn, wheat, oats and tobacco. The tobacco raised in this section 
and in Piedmont, known as the "Virginia Leaf," is the best grown 
in the United States, and has a world-wide reputation for excel- 
lence. In this section, as in Tidewater, the low bottom lands along 
the streams formed by the sediment of the waters, are exceptionally 
productive. The second bottoms, as they are called, being a more 
elevated terrace, have usually a subsoil of dark, but sometimes yel- 
low clay; these are very ricli and susceptible of constant and 'sevei'e 
tillage. 

THE PIEDMONT SECTION. 

This belt (for it is properly a belt, extending as it does through 
the State, with a length of 350 miles and an average width of only 
25 miles) is marked by hills and minor mountain ranges and 
spurs, with valleys of varied form between. The surface is diver- 
sified and surpassingly picturesque. The line of separation from 
Middle Virginia contains wide plains of excellent fertility, which 
spontaneously cover themselves with nutritious grasses when not 
in cultivation. The elevation of this belt varies from 300 to 1,200 
feet. The soil is heavier than that of Middle Virginia, the subsoil 
being of stiff and dark-red clay. The disintegrated sandstone 
rocks supply elements of fertility. On the slopes of the Blue Eidge, 
grapes of delicious flavor grow luxuriantly. These produce excel- 
lent wines, and the clarets have a wide fame. The pippin apples 
of this section are of unrivalled excellence. 



25 



THE VALLEY. 

The "Great Valley,", as it is descriptively called, is, in its general 
configuration, one continuous valley, included between the two 
mountain chains that extend throughout the State; but it is, in a 
more particular sense, made up of five smaller valleys that succeed 
one another in the following order, from northeast to southwest: 
the Shenandoah Valley; the James Eiver Valley; the Eoanoke 
Eiver Valley; the Kanawha or New Eiver Valley; and the Valley 
of the Holston or Tennessee. It is 242 feet above tidewater at 
Harper's Ferry, where the Shenandoah, uniting with the Potomac, 
breaks through the barrier of the Blue Eidge, and gradually rises 
until it attains the height of 1,687 feet at its southwestern extrem- 
ity, where the waters of the Holston leave the State and pass into 
Tennessee. The Valley is much higher along its. western side, 
next to the Alleghanies, than on its eastern side. It is one of the 
most abundantly watered regions on the face of the globe. Deep 
limestone beds form the floor of the Great Valley, and from these 
beds the soil derives an exceeding fertility, peculiarly adapted to 
the growth of grasses and grain. One who enjoys its varied and 
picturesquely beautiful landscapes; the long, undulating line of 
the ridge that takes the name of Blue from the heavens that bend 
to bathe its summits in their own soft tints ; its abundant crops of 
cereals; its cattle grazing upon its grass-embedded meadows; its 
orchards bearing every fruit known to the temperate zone, and its 
vineyards bursting with the juices that produce delicious wines, 
will not wonder that it bears tlie name of the "garden spot" of the 
State. 

APPALACHIA. 

This is the mountainou.s section to the west of the Great Valley. 
It overlooks the Valley to the east, and passes into the rugged 
upland of the Cumberland pleateau on the west. Its altitude varies 
from 1,000 to 3,000 feet above the sea level. Some of the valleys 
and slopes are of sandstone, some of slates and shales, some of 
limestone, so that they present a great variety of surface. The 
sandstone ridges are poor and unproductive, but the valleys are 
fertile, the soil being enriched by limestone. These valleys and 
mountain slopes are heavily carpeted with grass, upon which large 
numbers of cattle are raised. It is noted as a grazing country. 
It is an abundantly watered region, and its mountains are covered. 



26 



their tops and their sides, with forests that yield a variety of valu- 
able timber. 

FAVORABLE CONDITIONS. 

The., advantages and favorable conditions that invite the home- 
seeker may^, 'in general terms, be included under the following 
heads: (1) Situation and Topography, (2) Climate, (3) Agricul- 
tural Eesources, (4) Elvers and Water, Supply, (5) Forests, (6) 
Fruits, (7) Minerals and Mining, (8) Commercial Facilities. In 
these several inducements Virginia holds a place second to no State 
in the Union ; probably the pre-eminent place over them all. 

Let us briefly consider these inducements in the order named. 

SITUATION. 

As heretofore stated, Virginia is midway of tlie Atlantic tier 
of States, removed alike from the severe winters of the northern 
States, and the long, debilitating summers of the States farther 
south. She possesses every variety of surface: bold mountains, 
broken uplands, valleys, meadows, lowlands, and the swamp l finds 
of the coastal plain. "The two ranges of mountains that extend 
through the State from northeast to southwest protect it from 
the storms and tornadoes that devastate the northwest. At Hamp- 
ton Eoads, she has the largest, deepest, safest, and best-sheltered 
harbor on the Atlantic. Her ports of Norfolk and Newport News 
are nearer than is New York to the great centers of population, 
and areas of production, of the northwest. Chicago is fifty miles 
nearer by direct line to Norfolk tlian it is to New York. 

CLIMATE. 

The climate of Virginia is mild and healthful. The winters 
are less severe than in the northern and northwestern States, or 
even the western localities of the same latitude; while the occa- 
sional periods of extreme heat in the summer are not more oppres- 
sive than in many portions of the north. The diversified physical 
features exercise a marked influence on the climate, the tempera- 
ture varying in tlie several sections according to their elevation, 
latitude and distance from the ocean. The variation is from a 
mean annual temperature of 64 degrees in the low Tidewater belt 
to 48 degrees >-in the elevated mountain regions. The average 



27 



temperature of the State is 56 degrees. The summer heat of the 
Tidewater is tempered by the sea-breezes; while in the mountain 
section the warm southwest trade winds, blowing through the long 
parallel valleys, impart to them, and the enclosing mountains, 
moisture borne from the Gulf of Mexico. As a place to live in all 
the year round, Virginia has no equal. The summers are not de- 
bilitating, and the occasional days of oppressive heat are succeeded 
by nights of refreshing sleep. ■■ The winters are never marked by 
extreme or protracted severity. Snow rarely covers the ground 
for any great length of time, and the number of bright, sunny days, 
even in the winter season, is unusually large. In the spring the 
bright sunshine, pleasant days and budding nature invite every 
one out of doors, and hooks and reel are in demand. Autumn, 
to many, is the most delightful time of the year. The bright, 
warm, sunny days, with Just enough edge to the air to make one 
feel like moving, the cool nights unsurpassed for sleeping, the rich 
and varied colored wild iiowers and the inany-colored autumn 
leaves, all conspire to make one stay out of doors and absorb health 
and life. Partridge and pheasant shooting, and fox hunting in 
the glorious autumn weather, furnish the finest sport for the most 
exacting sportsman. 

The number of murkey, foggy days is very small, and conversely, 
the number of sunny days is unusually large. The United States 
Weather Bureau gives as the number of fair and clear days for 
Hampton Eoads 258.8, while for Boston 237.6. Thus the number 
of days when one is kept indoors on account of the weather is 
very small. 

In the more western portion of the State the temperature is 
lower generally, and in the southwest mountains the snow some- 
times lies on the ground for a considerable time, but the health-' 
fulness of this region is most excellent, and the size and physique 
of the men is superb. 

Along the eastern slope of the Blue Eidge there is a belt of 
country between 1,000 and 2,500 feet above sea level, in which 
the humidity is exceedingly low, and in which the number of sunny 
days is very large. This region has little dew at night, owing to 
its low humidity, and has been found beneficial for consumptives 
and those troubled with pulmonary diseases. 

Virginia is also exceptionally free from windstorms and hurri- 
canes, never having any like tliose w'hich frequent tlie western 



28 

plains and the States of the southwest. Such a thing as a dwell- 
ing-house being blown over is a practically unknown occurrence. 

Below is the mean monthly temperature of Virginia, Fahren- 
heit, for the last five years, taken in July and December 'oy the 
U. S. .Weather Bureau of Eichmond : 

Mean monthly, temperature : J^^lj- Dec. 

1901 " 78.6 35.7 

1902 , 76 5 37.9 

1903 75 5 33.8 

1904 73.5 34.4 

1905 75.4 37.7 

The westerly winds are the prevailing winds. 
The annual rainfall is from forty to sixty inches. It is fairly 
well distributed through the entire year. 

AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES. 

Although Virginia has very large, varied and important interests 
outside of agriculture, still agriculture has been, and is, her greatest 
and most important interest, and is the occupation of the great 
majority of her people. She is essentially an agricultural State. 
The principal agricultural products are tobacco, corn, wheat, oats, 
buckwheat, barley and the native and cultivated grasses, which, 
together with the clovers, yield an abundance of hay. In the sea- 
board section, particularly in the vicinity of j^orfolk and on the 
Eastern Shore, there are extensive areas devoted to truck-farming, 
an industry which annually sends millions of dollars' worth of gar- 
den and farm vegetables and products to the markets of Baltimore, 
Philadelphia, I^ew York and Boston. In this same section, espe- 
cially in the counties that form the southeastern portion of the 
State, between the James river and the North Carolina line, the 
cultivation of the peanut is an extensive and profitable industry, 
the annual value of the crop being about two and a half million 
dollars. Virginia raises more, and better, peanuts than any State 
in the Union. The cereals are widespread over the State, but the 
Valley is pre-eminently the grain-producing region. Tobacco is, 
in a very large part of the State, the staple principally relied on as 
a money-making crop. Only one State in the Union, Kentucky, 
produces more tobacco than Virginia. The "Virginia Leaf," the 
finest tobacco raised in the United States, has a world-wide reputa- 
tion for excellence. It thrives best in the uplands of Middle Vir- 



29 

ginia and in the Piedmont. In Halifax, Pittsjdvania and Henry 
counties, bordering on the North Carolina line, midway of the 
State and in smaller areas of contiguous counties, the famous 
"bright tobacco" is raised. This always commands a high price. 

There is every conceivable variety of soil in Virginia^ from the 
almost pure sand of the seacoast to the stiff clay of the western por- 
tion. Although of such variety, there is one noteworthy fact, and 
that is the ease with which nearly all of the soil can be cultivated, 
and its ready response to judicious treatment. 

Owing to the great difference of altitude of the various parts of 
the State, giving rise to a great diversity of climate conditions, and 
to the almost endless variety of soils within her borders, Virginia 
can, and does, grow practically everything raised in the United 
States except the tropical and sub-tropical fruits. If there is any-, 
one, anywhere, who desires to take up any special branch of agricul- 
ture, or desires to devote his time to the raising of any variety of 
cereal, grass, legumes, fruit or animal, he can find in Virginia land 
and conditions ideally suitable to that identical thing. 

Under the head of agricultural resources we might appropriately 
treat fruits. But they will be assigned to a separate head. 



LETTERS OF INTEREST TO HOME-SEEKERS. 

Selected from a number of other similar communications will 
be found here letters from several persons who have settled in Vir- 
ginia from other States and countries, and also one from Hon. J. 
Sterling Morton, ex-U. S. Commissioner of Agriculture, which will 
be found of interest to home-seekers. 

By J. Sterling Morton. 

The New York Sun says: "J. Sterling Morton, Secretary of Agricul- 
ture, has discovered that the late Horace Greeley's advice to young men, 
to 'Go West,' is no longer sound, and owing to changed conditions in the 
South, the well-wishers of young America should now urge them to go to 
Virginia. 

"Were I young and about to buy a farm — and if I were young, buying a 
farm is exactly what I'd go first about — I'd get a farm in Virginia. I was 
out through the State the other day. To say that I was amazed would 
not any more than express it. I was fairly astonished. I never saw 
better fields or finer crops anywhere. It's a garden. One has, as some 
fellow said about some other locality, but to tickle the soil and it laughs 
with a harvest. Corn? I met face to face with as vigorous and robust 
fields as ever waved in Illinois. Other crops were the same. 

As a mere crop producer, the Virginia farm would stand shoulder to 
shoulder with any in the West, and yet, while you buy a farm of 160 
acres in Texas, sav, for $8,800.00, I'll take the same $8,800.00 and buy and 



31 

locate myself in v^irginia, within three hours' drive of the capital of the 
country, on a fraction over five hundred and eighty-six acres. Just as 
good land, as I told you before, only, instead of one hundred and sixty 
acres, you get five hundred and eighty-six acres for $8,800.00. 

"Yes, I said I could cite farms and figures to support what I suggest. 
I am not an advertising medium for any particular piece of Virginia real 
estate, but, skipping names and boundary lines, there are eight hundred 
acres, twenty-six miles from Washington, with the Potomac river wash- 
ing its feet, covered with forest trees, and you can buy it for fifteen dol- 
lars an acre, just $12,000. A friend of mine bought a splendid farm of 
one hundred and sixty acres, richest kind of soil ; magnificent brick house, 
one of those old-timers, about 100 years old, but in as perfect shape as if 
carpenters and masons got through yesterday. What do you think he 
paid? Perfectly appointed farm, remember; brick barn, all in the best of 
shape, and within half a day's drive, with the buggy, of Washington. 
Now, what do you think he gave? Four thousand dollars; just twenty- 
five dollars an acre. The place would have been worth $16,000 to $20,000 
in Iowa It made me want a Virginia farm mvself when I saw it." 

J. STERLING MORTON, 
Ex-Secretary Agriculture. United States . 



FROM CONNECTICUT. 

Deab Sir: — I bought this 600-acre farm here three years ago, when 
I came from New Haven, Conn., and I am doing well here. I have 19 
cows, 63 sheep and 75 hogs, and 200 hens — and good crops this year. 

Poindexter, Va. E. SELCHAW HANSEN. 

FROM SCOTLAND. 

In the short time 1 have been in Virginia, some of the impressions I 
have formed are, the great number of farms empty, the low prices asked 
for them (low, when compared to Scotland), the railway facilities to 
market produce, schools and churches, and the good water on almost all 
the farms I have been on. Potatoes, beans, peas, poultry, eggs and butter 
find ready sale at good prices. All the crops grown at home can be growii 
here, Indian corn, tobacco, sweet potatoes, etc., in addition, and the resi- 
dents are very orderly and law-abiding. 



W. McKIE. 



Elmsland, R- I-, Box 6, Pamplin City, Va. 



FROM CANADA. 



I am a native of Canada. In the year 1872 I removed to Oceania 
county. State of Michigan, and lived there for a number of years. Fi- 
nally, becoming tired of the deep snows and long, cold winters of that 
part of the State, I decided to move to Virginia, landing here in the 
autumn of 1889, and purchased 107 acres of land, cheap, being a part of 
the estate of William Branch, deceased. 

I soon discovered that while the land was originally good, continuous 
cropping and renting had greatly deteriorated it. Hpiice, I became alive 
to the necessity of adopting some plan whereby an increase of fertility 
could be obtained, and maintenance for self and family. I will say, at the 
present time, that I am the owner now of one of the best small farms of 
the country; am living in comfort, and the land is steadily improving, 
and conditions of the soil is above normal. Last year a Canadian gentle- 
man bv the name of Spottswood purchased 200 acres of land adjoining 



33 

mine. He has a large family — there are eleven in all. and most of them 
workers. This season he has raised a good crop of wheat (sown last 
fall), and a specially fine crop of corn. He has had two cuttings of grass 
and an extra fine crop of tobacco, being the first instance 1 know of where 
a Northern man raised tobacco the first year. They seem to like the 
country all right, and will make first-class citizens. 

As to my neighbors, I must say that I never had better, none more 
kind, accommodating or obliging. Have felt perfectly at home among 
them. So I expect to end my days in the Old Dominion, thankful to the 
giver of all good, that my rambling, wandering days have terminated so 
happily. 

Yours truly, 

Irwin, Virginia. ' THOS. W. BREWER. 

I have lived here for over twenty years. I was born in Canada, and 
came over when I was sixteen. I am very much pleased with Virginia 
because of its mild climate, because of the kind and hospitable people 
here, and because of the long crop season; two crops can always be raised 
in one year, and T have raised three crops a number of times. 

Very respectfully, 

Richmond, Va. ' H. R. SCOTT. 

I take pleasure in saying, that I moved from Canada to Virginia in 
1875, and have lived here since that time. 1 am much pleased with Vir- 
ginia, and appreciate its natural advantages of soil and climate^ the win- 
ters being milder and more pleasant than the winters in Canada. I ex- 
pect to live in Virginia until death takes me. and I expect to be buried 
beneath her sod. 

Yours sincerely, 

Culpeper,^ Va. ' W. H. MIDDORGH. 

I consider the State of Virginia much superior to either the North- 
western States or Canada as regards climate and proximity to the mar- 
kets. The Northwest and Canadian winters are too long and severe to 
;suit any but young and very robust persons. 

Staunton, Va. WILLIAM H. GREENE. 

CALIFORNIAN. 

In 1906 I spent several months in making investigations as to general 
-conditions with respect to alfalfa growing, and after satisfying myself 
that indications in favor of successful cultivation were sufficient to jus- 
tify the venture, 1 selected two old estates at Port Conway, Va., on the 
Rappahannock river. The soil on these properties was greatly depleted, 
but responded quickly to kind treatment with the aid of crimson clover, 
cow peas and lime. I have secured some alfalfa fields that will compare 
favorably with the best, either east or west. Although it has been only 
two years since the work commenced, I have a little over .300 acres of 
alfalfa at this time. But I have 200 acres more land which will 
be in proper condition for seeding next fall, and several hundred acres 
more which are having a crop of cow peas each fall or crimson clover in 
the spring. Let me here say that, favored as Virginia is, with two such 
crops as cow peas and crimson clover as aids in improving soil, the near 
future should see the State standing in the front ranks for fertility and 
-production. 

Port Conn-ay, Va. J. T. JACK. 



35 

FEOil DENMARK. 

It gives me great pleasure to add my testimonial to the excellent cli- 
mate and almost uniformly productiveness of Virginia soil. Being born 
and raised on a farm in Denmark, I determined to locate in America. 
After going through Canada and many States of the Union, especially the 
Western and Northwestern, I at last located in Virginia, where I have 
been domiciled some 38 years, and have, to this date, not regretted the 
choice I made. Too much cannot be said of the excellence of its climate, 
being neither too cold nor too warm; the soil being adaptable to almost 
anything that grows. 

Richmond, Va. WM. HOLSTS. 

FRO^I CANADA. 

Two years ago I came to Virginia for the purpose of finding out whether 
what I read about Virginia was true or not before I moved my family, 
and I saw and heard enough to convince me that it was, so I returned 
to Canada and made a sale and came the year after, and w€ all like it; 
the climate is delightful, the season to get one's work done is a long one, 
the land is as good as any I have Avorked or seen in Canada, if properly 
liandled, and I was from the best farming and dairying section in Elgin 
county, Ontario, and was doing well there; but I wanted a home where J 
could live in comfort and do the same as I did in Canada, and I find 1 
can do it here. Yours, etc., 

Ashland, Va. J. E. MARTIN. 



FROM GERMANY. 

I have been a citizen of the State of Virginia since 1867. I am German 
by birth, and came to this country in 1857, a young man of 16 years old. 
I married in New Jersey, and my wife's health being quite bad, the doc- 
tors advised me to come south. I came south, and looking over the situa- 
tion, spent some time in Virginia, and finally decided to come to Peters- 
burg, Va. My wife is sixty-two years old, and coming to Virginia cer- 
tainly saved her life at that time. We do not regret our move. The 
climate of Virginia is excellent — none better. The people of the State are 
friendly and hospitable, so much so that nothing could induce us to leave 
our Virginia home. The land is cheap, and you can raise in Virginia 
anything that can be raised in any part of the country; such as corn, 
oats, wheat and other grains can all be raised here. Virginia has ample 
railroad and water connection with the eastern, northern and western 
markets. By this, I mean, that farmers living in Virginia are enabled 
to get the best prices for their produce, as there are exceptional facilities 
offered by the railroads and steamship lines to carry same to northern 
and eastern markets. 

There are opportunities for men who have some little means with 
which to buy land that I do not believe are offered by any other State. I 
went back to my old home in Germany last year for'^the first time since 1 
came to this country, and I was unfortunate in being able to spend only 
a few days in my old home, but it has always been surprising' to me that 
the immigration of the hard-working German citizens seems to be to- 
wards the West rather than southward. I am certain that once a start 
was made, that those who make their homes here will write back to those 
in the "Old Coimtrj^," tirging them to come to Virginia. 

Petersburg, Va. AUG. WRIGHT. 



36 

FROM OHIO. 

Editor Southampton Democrat, Franklin, Va. 

Dear Sib: — We have come to Virginia, to "Tidewater Virginia," to 
Southampton county, to stay. We are from Ohio — arrived here last No- 
vember — and are the first people termed "outsiders" located here. We 
are liking our new home right well, and, if we should not get "home- 
sick," shall continue to like it still better. I wish to say that we find 
the people especially sociable and courteous, and we believe we already 
have acquaintances here who are our staunch friends. 

We have an equable climate, without drought, such as Western droughts, 
and the best soils, and a good people. Southampton county, we believe, 
is an excellent site for our Western people to look up. More later. 

Sincerely, 

Green' Plain, Ta. " I. A. McCOY. 

P. S. — Just received a letter from home saying they had but one little 
rain since last of July, and corn ripened prematurely; pastures are dead; 
soil too dry for seeding to wheat, and wells are dry. But here "in 
Virginia" we have not yet seen it too dry for crops to do well, and our 
second crop of potatoes (on same soil) are doing so well as to promise 
a fair yield if frost held off a couple of weeks; were planted as late as 
Sept. 5th. The first crop yielded 348 bushels to acre, small plot. 

FROM SOUTH DAKOTA. 

I came to Prince county in 1902, from Spink county, S. D., where 1 
resided since 1881. After spending a number of years traveling about, 
visiting nearly all the States east of the Mississippi, in search of a genial 
climate and good soil, I was convinced that Virginia was the place. I 
purchased a farm of 400 acres and am now getting it in a very fine state 
of cultivation for all the cereals and stock raising. This section is ex- 
ceedingly well adapted to the raising of cattle, hogs and sheep, all of which 
I am raising successfully and making money. 

There is nothing would induce me to go back to South Dakota to live, 
since I am able to live here in comfort and receive larger net dividends 
than I ever could expect to realize on my former farm. I am more than 
pleased with my investment. 

Yours very trulv, 

WM. H. DENTON. 

FROM CALIFORNIA. 

I moved to Virginia with my family six years ago from California, where 
we were very much disappointed in the climate, the heavy fogs of the coast 
causing rheumatic troubles, and the intense heat of the inland valleys in 
the summer we could not stand. 

Have visited nearly every State, and can honestly say I know of no 
climate as equal and pleasant, where the water is so soft and pure, where 
the soil responds so quickly and abundantly to proper cultivation and en- 
couragement, and where there is absolutely no malaria or mosquitoes. 

Our winters last about three months. Have plowed at times in all win- 
ter months. Our garden soil was never frozen over 3 inches at any time. 

DR. J. B. ROSS. 

FROM ILLINOIS. 

I came to this State several years since and purchased a farm near 
Forest Depot, 'paying $14 per acre for the same. I did not exepect to make 



37 

more than a fair living for several years, but from the very first season I 
made much more than I anticipated. I produce all kinds of cereals, stock, 
and small fruits, and trucking, all of which has a home market at much 
better prices than I could hope to receive in the West. 

I am raising more and better crops than I could produce on $40 land in 
South Dakota or $100 land in Illinois. I cheerfully send this word of 
greeting to Northern farmers who are in search of ar better climate, good 
lands at low prices, and where the seasons are of sufficient length to garner 
the crop without being in haste all the time. 

T. J. ONG. 



FROM INDIANA. 

I came to Virginia broken down in health and bought a broken-down 
farm about six miles from Lynchburg, which had not been worked since 
the war, thirty-six years previous. I was very unwell, and could not do 
much work at first, but notwithstanding that, I made a fairly good crop 
and sold off a quantity of bark and wood, and made more than I would 
have done at home. There is a ready and good market for all you can 
raise, and the prices are good. The people are glad to see you and aid 
you in every way in their power. There are good schools and churches, 
■and I have never received more attention or been better entertained than 
I have been by some of the old ex-rebels I fought against in the late war. 
My health is good, and I feel like a new man, and would not sell my place 
at 50 per cent, advance; and I can say if Northern people come down here 
and attend to their business, they will be received with open arms, and 
can do well. E. R. BURR. 



FROM IOWA. 

To any jaerson seeking a home away from the long and cold winters and 
the ever-existing danger of cyclones in summer, we have this to say : come 
and see us at South Boston, Va. For thirty -four y6ars we lived in the 
State of Iowa, and for the last five years in Southside Virginia. We know 
there are many people who live in constant dread of the cold winters, the 
deep snow and the awful blizzard. These can all be avoided by coming 
south, where one can find a most hospitable people, with many beautiful 
homes, and ever ready to give a cordial welcome, and back of all this, 

cheap lands There are thousands of acres of timber land here 

that can be bought at from $6 to $10 an acre that would furnish grazing 
for sheep and Angora goats. The Angora cleans up the brush and brings 
the land in condition for more grass for the other lines of stock. We have 
many creeks and springs of excellent water, so that one can have living 
water in all fenced lots. W. W STOCKWELL. 



FROM NEBRASKA. 

I came to Virginia from Nebraska fourteen years ago with very little 
money, and purchased a very poor farm of 200 acres, for which I paid $5 
per acre, making a small cash payment; then went to work. The soil, 
while worn out, has responded very quickly to good farming and natural 
fertilizers. I soon paid for my farm and improved it in every form, until 
now I have it in fine shape, and have it well stocked, including improved 
machinery. Only a short time since I purchased a second farm of 200 
acres for cash. I am verv much pleased with Virginia, and am convinced 
that it is all right. ' .JOHN SEDRIG. 



38 

FROM XE\Y YOEK. 

I am a former resident of the Empire State, and came to Virginia a 
number of years since; induced to do so on account of tlie genial climate, 
geographical location, and the great future which I saw in the fertile, 
neglected farms in Virginia. I did not remove to my farm until 1898, 
and have resided here ever since. My plantations are now well impi'oved, 
and last ye^r a crop of 75 acres of wheat averaged 29 1-2 bushels per 
acre, some of this running in excess of 40 bushels per acre. A neighbor 
of mine raised in excess of 100 bushels of soy beans per acre; this by a 
Canadian farmer, who, like mvself, does not care to return to the rigorous 
climate we left. " G. C. JACOBS. 

FROM OHIO. 

After living here two years 1 find Virginia more pleasant to live in 
than Ohio. The people are friendly and sociable, and the lithia water has 
been a "godsend" to me. It has cured me of eczema, after doctoring thirty 
years without relief. 

In regard to the land, the best improved here is fully equal to Ohio land 
that sells for $25 to $100 per acre, and if the Virginia lands were side by 
side with it, it would bring the top price, and this land can be bought for 
from $5 to $15 per acre. Next, the crop. Last year's wheat was of good 
quality and averaged 15 to 20 bushels per acre: corn was unusually fine — 
as good as any one could ask, while fruit of all kinds was plentiful. 

I am glad I came down to this healthful climate, this wonderful water, 
these big-hearted people, and other conditions tliat go to make life worth 
living. I have no desire to return Nortli. 

GEO. E. LUSK. 

FROM WISCONSIN. 

Two years ago I came to Appomattox from Wisconsin and purchased a 
farm. When I arrived I was unable to do any farm work. Now I can 
attend to my farm, and my health is greatly improved. I like the country 
so well that last year I purchased another farm for my son. I would 
rather live here with my present health on one meal a day than in Wis- 
consin on three. 

I have paid every dollar on both farms, and like the land better every 
year I live on it. We can raise anything in Virginia that can be grown 
in the North or Northwest. I consider this a great country, and the lands 
are far below the real value in price. 

JOHN V. PHILLIPS, SR. 



THE POSSIBILITIES OF SOIL PRODUCTION IN NORFOLK 

COUNTY. 

It is both interesting and wonderful to note the productiveness 
of the soil in the tnicking belt around Norfolk, Virginia. A 
leading farmer and trucker says : "Without doubt the trucking 
lands around jSTorfolk, Virginia, are the finest in the entire United 
States."-' 



39 

This gentleman was entitled to a very respectful hearing, and 
we had the greatest confidence in his judgment and intelligence, 
for his experience, as a trucker^ was the very best possible evidence 
in favor of his statement. 

Our attention was called to a little 4-acre patch of land, in snaps 
(beans), now just nicely in the pod and ready to go north in a 
very few days. Answering our questions the owner stated that 
in September last he sowed spinach on said four acres. Between 
Christmas and 1st of March following he cut and sold the spinach 
at the rate of 100 barrels to the acre, at a price ranging from $2 
to $7 per barrel— an average of $4.50 per barrel. Early in March 
the four acres were set out to lettuce, setting the plants in the 
open air, with no protection whatever, 175,000 plants on the four 
acres. He shipped 450 half-barrel baskets of lettuce to the acre, 
at a price ranging from $3 to $2.75 per basket. 

Early in April, Just before the lettuce was ready to ship, he 
planted snap beans between the lettuce rows; and to-day June 2d, 
these are the finest beans Ave have seen this season. 

Owner says he will have 150 half -barrel baskets to the acre; bnt 
we think he will surely have nearer 250. However, 150 will be 
enough, for he will sell the same for from $1 up to $2 per basket ; 
perhaps even higher. 

The last week in May he planted cantaloupes between the bean 
rows, which, when marketed in July, will make four crops from 
the same land in one year's time. The cantaloupes will be good 
for 250 crates to the acre, and the price will run from $1 to $1.50 
per crate. 

A careful investigation of these "facts, figures and features" 
will show that his gioss sales will easily reach $2,000 per acre, and 
his net profits depend largely upon the man and the management ; 
but they surely should not Ije less than $1,000 clear, clean profit 
to the acre. 

This is for farming done all out doors. ISTo hothouse or hot- 
bed work— not a bit of it. It is all out-of-doors work, Avith no 
extra expense for hotbeds, cold frames, hothouses, or extra ex- 
penses whatever. 

We are each day more and more thoroughly convinced that "in- 
tensive" thorough tillage and care of the soil will not only pay 
remarkably well here ; but it will pay better here than at any other 
point or place in the United States. 



40 

Without any doiibt whatever, the soil is the finest market garden 
or trucking soil in the entire country. _ The climate also is largely 
in our favor, as the late and early frosts are kept off by the near 
proximity of the sea. 

In regard to cost to get our farm products to market, we are 
within twenty-five miles of fully 10,000,000 consumers; that is to 
say, measured b}^ freight rates, we are within twenty-five miles of 
10,000,000 hungr}^ consumers of our soil products. 

If measured by hoius, Ave are within twelve hours of 20,000,000 
consumers. Upon the soil, climate and markets depend the suc- 
cess of the tillers of the soil — and these three factors are decidedly 
in our favor. 

FRUITS. 

Virginia is one of the most highly-favoi'ed fruit-giowing States 
in the. Union. Indeed, when the variety, abundance and excel- 
lence of its fruits are considered, it is doubtful if any otiier State 
can compare with it in this respect. Apples, peaches, pears, cher- 
ries, quinces, plums, damsons, and grapes are in great abundance, 
while the smaller fruits, such as strawberries, raspberries, black- 
berries, gooseberries and currants are plentiful. The foothills of 
the Piedmont and Blue Eidge are specially adapted to the apple, 
some orchards producing as much as from $450 to $500 per acre. 
The peach, requiring a somewhat warmer climate, abounds more 
plentifully in Middle A^irginia and Tidewater. The eastern slopes 
of the Blue Eidge are especially prolific in grapes, Albemarle 
county taking the lead in their cultivation. They are of excellent 
quality and flavor, both for table use and wine-making. The Mon- 
ticello Wine Company, of Charlottesville, Albemarle county, enjoys 
a world-wide reputation for its wine, particularly its clarets. At 
the Paris World's Exposition in 1878, this was the only American 
wine that received a medal and diploma ; and such was also the 
case at the Paris Exposition of 1889. 

Apples may be said to be the principal fruit crop of the State. 
They are extensively grown, and there is a yearly increasing num- 
ber of trees planted. In one of the Valley counties a 17-year-old 
orchard of 1,150 trees produced an apple crop in 1905 which 
brought the owner $10,000; another of fifty 20-year trees brought 
$700. Mr. H. E. Vanderaan, one of the best-known horticulturists 



41 

in the country, says that there' is not in all North America a better 
place to plant orchards than in Virginia. He says : "For rich 
apple soil^ good, flavor, and keeping qualities of the fruit, and 
nearness to the great markets of the East and Europe, your country 
is wonderfully favored." 

The trees attain a hne size and live to a good old age, and pro- 
duce most abundantly. In Patrick county there is a tree 9 feet 5 
inches around, which has borne 110 bushels of apples at a single 
crop. There are other trees which have borne even more. One 
farmer in Albemarle county has received more than $15,000 for a 
single crop of Albemarle Pippins, grown on twenty acres of land. 
This pippin is considered the most deliciously flavored apple in the 
world. Sixty years ago the Hon. Andrew Stevenson, of Albemarle, 
when minister from this country to England, presented a barrel of 
"Albemarle Pippins" to Queen Victoria, and from that day to this 
it has been the favorite apple in the royal household of Great 
Britain. Although the Blue Eidge and Piedmont sections are 
more particularlv' adapted to the apple, they are grown in great 
abundance in every part of the State. 

The fig, pomegranate, and other delicate fruits flourish in the 
Tidewater region. 

We have mentioned the cultivated fruits; but in many sections 
there will be found growing wild, in great abundance, the straw- 
berry, tlie whortleberry, the haw, the persimmon, the plum, the 
blackbei'r}', the dewberry, a fine variety of grapes for jellies and 
for wines; the cherry, the raspberry, and the mulberr}'^, and also 
will be found the chestnut, hazelnut, the walnut, the hickorynut3 
the beechnut, and the chinquepin. 

RIVERS AND WATER SUPPLY. 

Five large and navigable rivers, with their affluents and tribu- 
taries, drain five-sixths of the State. These all empty into the 
Atlantic, four of them through the Chesapeake Bay, and one 
through Albemarle Sound. The four that empty into the Chesa- 
peake are the Potomac, Eappahannock, York and James. The one 
that empties into Albemarle Sound is the Eoanoke, or Staunton. 
These are all navigable to the head of Tidewater by large steam- 
boats and sailing vessels. Besides these there are other long and 
copious streams or rivers — the Shenandoah, that flows through the 




NATURAL BRIDGE, ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY, VA.-ONE OF THE SEVEN WONDERS 

OF THE WORLD. 



43 

Valley, and New river and Clinch in Southwest Virginia. These 
rivers are all supplied by multitudinous streams— rivulets and 
creeks ; many of these long, and of sufficient size to entitle them to 
the name of rivers. Some of these are the Potomac creek and Oc- 
coquan, that flow into the Potomac ; the Eapid Anne, that is a bold 
affluent of the Eappahannock ; the Mattapony and Pamunkey, that, 
at their confluence, form the York; the Chickahominy, Appomat- 
tox, Eivanna, Willis, Slate, Ptockfish, South, North, Cowpasture 
and Jackson, tributaries of the James; the Dan, Otter, and Pig, 
that flow into the Poanoke. These affluents are but a few of the 
hundreds of streams in every part of the State that fall below the 
dimensions of rivers, but which, in conjunction with the bolder 
streams, irrigate the country, furnish inexhaustible water power, 
supply numerous varieties of fish, furnish channels for inland 
navigation, and by enlivening the landscapes, impart a picturesque- 
ness to the scenery on all sides. Never-failing springs of pure, 
■ sparkling water abound in every section, many of them possessing 
medicinal properties of a high order. The statement is made, upon 
high authority, that no State possesses such an abundant supply 
of mineral waters. The rainfall is abundant and evenly distrib- 
uted, there being two sources of rain supply — one from the At- 
lantic by the southeast winds, and one from the Gulf by the winds 
from the southwest. The annual rainfall is 35 inches in tlie south- 
west, and 55 inches on the eastern coast, the average throughout 
the State being about 43 inches. 

From the above statements, it can easily be believed that Vir- 
ginia is one of the most abundantly watered countries upon the 
face of the earth. There can scarcely be found a square mile on 
which there is not either a running stream or a bold spring. There 
is probably no other area of the Avorld's surface, of equal dimen- 
sions, that is so abundantly and uniformly watered. 

WATER POWER. 

In this busy age, when every accessory of human industry is 
eagerly utilized, it may not be amiss to call more particular atten- 
tion to the marvelous supply of water power which the rivers and 
streams of the State afford. In this connection we will quote the 
following passage from the pamphlet entitled, "Information for 
the Homeseeker and Investor," published by this Department (the 



44 

Virginia Department of Agriculture and Immigration), more par- 
ticularly for the purpose of distribution at the St. Louis Exposi- 
tion : 

Even in Tidewater, the flattest part of the State, the numerous 
smaller - rivers and creeks have sufficient fall to furnish ample 
water power for grist inills and, of course, the same power could 
be used for other purposes. Where Tidewater joins Middle Vir- 
ginia, there is a rocky ledge which rises up quite abruptly, and over 
which all streams have to pour to reach the ocean. In pouring 
over that ledge rapids are formed which give magnificent water 
power. This water power is especially fine just above Alexandria, 
on the Potomac; at Fredericksburg, on the Eappahannock ; at 
Richmond, on the James, and at Petersburg, on the Appomattox. 

To take only one locality as an illustration : 

At Eichmond, in a distance of three and one-half miles, there 
is a fall of 84 feet, and in a distance of nine miles there is a fall 
of 118 feet. The other streams mentioned have practically the 
same fall. This enormous water power, occurring just at the head 
of Tidewater and deep water navigation, gives the manufacturer 
who uses this power the benefit of both railway and water trans- 
portation. As the mountainous region is approached, every river, 
creek and branch is capable of furnishing fine water power. The 
effective fall of the James from Lynchburg to Richmond, a dis- 
tance of 146 1-3 miles, is 429 feet; between Lynchburg and Buch- 
anan, 50 miles, the efi'ective fall is 299 feet; between Buchanan and 
Covington, a distance of 47 miles, the effective fall is 436 feet. 
"Indeed," as Commodore M. F. Maury says, "the James river and 
its tributaries alone afford water power enough to line their banks 
from Covington and Lexington, with a single row of factories, all 
the way to Richmond." New River also furnishes magnificent 
water power. In fact, all through the State an abundance of the 
finest water power is awaiting development. A very small propor- 
tion of this power is at present developed. 

Of the four navigable rivers of Virginia that are tidal to the 
ocean, three of them — the Potomac, Rappahannock, and James, 
take their rise in the mountain region and wind through landscapes 
of surpassing loveliness to deliver their waters into that bay which, 
like an inland sea, washes her eastern front. The York, a wide, 
straight stream, navigable for the largest vessels, is less than forty 
miles in length, .and is rather an estuary, or arm of the Bay, than 



45 

a river. The Mattapony and Pamunkey, that unite at West Point 
to form the York, drain a considerable portion of Tidewater and 
Middle Virginia. 

The Chesapeake Bay is not only the most picturesque and beau- 
tiful sheet of water upon the globe, but it has no equal for the 
abundance and variety of marine food which it supplies. It is 
300 miles long, with an average width of 15 miles. It has the 
most abundant oyster beds in the world, and its Lynnhaven Bay 
oyster is confessedly the largest and most delicious specimen of 
this bivalve to be found in any water. It supplies, in inexhaustive 
quantities, every fish known to the Southern waters, with the ex- 
ception of the pampano, which is peculiar to the Gulf of Mexico. 
Turtles, crabs, terrapins, lobsters and clams abound, while birds 
by tens of thousands, crowd its waters, and the inlets and marshes 
that mark its borders — swans, geese, ducks and sora. The canvas- 
back duck, that feeds on the wild celery and grasses that fringe its 
banks, possesses a game flavor that is coveted by the epicure. 

We have not overdrawn the picture of the attractive invitation 
which Virginia extends to the homeseeker, particularly the one who 
desires to reside in the country and follow the life of a farmer. 
With her diversified surface and varied elevation, her mild climate, 
fine rainfall, well distributed through the year, Virginia, with her 
numerous water courses and streams and her fertile soil, presents 
an opportunity for all kinds of agricultural pursuits. Tlie home- 
seeker can find an attractive location for any line of cultivation he 
may wish to folloAv. From the fish and oysters of the bays and 
estuaries, the peanut-growing and trucking of the Tidewater, the 
raising of corn, wheat, oats, tobacco, fruits and stock of the Pied- 
mont, to the blue grass grazing of the more mountainous section, 
he has a varied field of selection. 

FORESTS. 

The foi'ests of Virginia abound in an unusual variety of woods, 
especially the valuable hardwoods, so important in modern con- 
struction. In these forests are found every Avood known to south- 
ern soils except the noted red cedar of Alabama. Most of the un- 
cultivated land consists of wood land tracts. Pine forests and cy- 
press swamps cover vast areas of the Tidewater section. This soil 
favors also the growth of the cedar, willow, locust, juniper and 



47 

gum, and to some extent, the oak — woods that furnish the best 
material for staves, shingles, ship-timber and sawed lumber. In 
the central and western sections are found the oak, hickory^ wal- 
nut, chestnut, birch, beech, maple, poplar, cherry, ash, sycamore, 
and elm. In the higher latitudes are found the hemlock, spruce 
and white pine. Oak, pines and poplar are the chief woods for 
building. The dui able hardwoods— oak, hickory, walnut and chest- 
nut are valuable in the manufacture of agricultural implements, 

cars and furniture. Paper is made from the pulp of the soft pop- 
lar. Oak bark and sumac leaves are extensively used in tanning 
and dyeing. 

MINERAL RESOURCES OF VIRGINIA. 

Virginia presents probably the most promising field for invest- 
• ment in its vast resources of almost every known commercial min- 
eral product. Building stone, granite, limestone, slate, soapstone, 
mica, clays of all kinds available, from the common red brick to 
the finest pottery clay; coal, coke, iron, lead, zinc, tin, copper, 
manganese, pyrites, arsenic, gypsum, salt, baryta, marble, asbestos, 
gold and silver are all found more or less in paying quantities. 

Cheap labor, fuel, timber and water are abundant. Transporta- 
tion facilities are of the best, and climatic conditions are such that 
outdoor work can be carried on the year round. 

The mineral lands can be acquired at the most reasonable prices, 
and every facility is offered to induce capital to undertake the de- 
Telopment of these products. 

JSTo State in the Union produces such a variety of mineral waters 
nor contains such a number of medicinal springs, situated, for the 
most part, in a delightful summer climate in the most beautiful 
scenic parts of the Blue Eidge and Alleghany mountains, offering 
ideal locations for summer and health resorts; some of which are 
now world-famous, but the most of them are not utilized on an 
extensive scale. They, however, only lack the necessarv capital 
and enterprise to make them equally famous with their more for- 
tunate neighbors. 

Building stones of superior quality are found in a large part of 
the State; notably from Eichmond west to the eastern edge of the 
Blue Eidge. Chesterfield and Henrico granites are well known 



49 

outside of the State, having been used in building the postoffices 
of Philadelphia and Harrisburg, Pa. 

Buckingham slate is being shipped to England in competition 
with the Scotch and Welsh slate, and orders cannot be filled fast 
enough. This is a guarantee not only of quality, but cheapness of 
production. 

Soapstone of a very fine quality is produced near Schuyler, in 
Nelson count}^, and is mostly marketed as a finished product. 

Limestone from the quarries of tlie Shenandoah "Valley and 
Southwest is well known. 

Clays, from that used for common brick-making to pure kaolin 
for china clay, are found iii abundance east of a line running 
throngh Alexandria, Fredericksburg, Richmond, Petersburg and 
Emporia. 

Coal-bearing formations cover an area of about 2,120 square 
miles in the State. The most notable deposits are those of the 
Richmond coal basin ; Pocahontas Flat Top Field, Tazewell coun- 
ty; the Clinch Valley and Big Stone Gap districts, in Wise and 
Lee counties, and the hard coals of Price and Bnisli mountains, 
Montgomery county. 

Copper ore is found in Grayson, Carroll, Floyd, Halifax, Char- 
lotte,' Prince Edward, Buckingham, Louisa, Fluvanna and Gooch- 
land counties, and in the igneous rocks of the Blue Ridge, notably 
Warren county. The most extensive development has been done 
in Halifax county, where there are a number of mines producing 
ore in paying quantities and showing most excellent prospects for 
extensive development. 

Tin is found in Rockbridge and Nelson. In Rockbridge at least 
two parallel workable vein systems exist. 

Lead and zinc are found in many parts of the State, notably, 
Wythe, Pulaski, Smyth, Giles, Bland, Tazewell, Russell, Scott and 
Grayson counties. The most extensive development is in Wythe 
county, at Austinville, on New River. Work has gone to a depth 
of 200 feet without getting to the bottom of the deposit. 

The F. S. Arsenic Mines Co. have a plant near Ferris Ford, in 
Floyd county, for the production of white arsenic from their mines 
at this point. 

Asbestos is found in Franklin, Buckingham, Amelia, Wythe, 
Floyd, Grayson, Bedford, Goochland and Fauquier counties. 



51 

Deposits of commercial mica are found in Caroline, Spotsyl- 
vania, Hanover, Goochland, Powhatan, Buckingham, Prince Ed- 
ward and Amelia counties. 

The iron industry of Virginia is so well known that very little 
need be said about it. The four varieties of ore used in iron 
manufacture — magnetite, specular ore, limonite and spathic ore — 
are all found in the iron-ore regions of Virginia; the first three in 
great abundance. 

Deposits of manganese ore, including higK-grade oxides and 
manganiferous iron ore, occur widely distributed through the State, 
particularly along the James Elver Valley and the Valley of Vir- 
ginia, and have been extensively developed at several points. 

Of high-grade ores, Virginia has for many years supplied the 
greater part of the total output of the United States, the most of 
it coming from the Avell-known Crimora mines, situated in Augusta 
county, about two miles east of Crimora station, on the Norfolk 
and Western railroad. 

Pyrite is one of the* most frequently occurring minerals, and is 
found in the rocks in all parts of the State. It is a constituent of 
the ore of all the gold mines in the Virginia belt below water level, 
and it is only when auriferous, or when it occurs comparatively 
pure and in large quantities, that it is commercially valuable. 

The extensive deposits of Louisa county, which are being worked 
by the Sulphur Mines and Eailroad Company, and the Arminius 
Copper Company, are of great interest and importance, contributing 
as they do, about 150,000 tons annually of high-grade pyrites — 
more than half of the total output of the United States. The de- 
posits extend in a northeast .and southwest direction in the vicinity 
of Mineral City, on the Chesapeake and Ohio railway, for a distance 
of five miles, and consist of a succession of great lenticular masses 
of high-grade pyrite, lying conformably with the stratification of 
the enclosing hydromica and talcose slate rocks. In extent these 
deposits can only be compared with those of N^orway, Spain and 
Portugal, and they possess the advantage over the European de- 
posits of being quite free from arsenic. 

Gold is found in two distinct belts, crossing the State in a north- 
easterly and southwesterly direction, the western ore passing 
through Floyd county and the counties to the northeast and south- 
west of it. The eastern belt which, so far as is at present known. 



52 

is the more important of the two, begins at the Maryland line, 
about l-t miles west of Washington City, and extends across the 
State to the North Carolina line, passing though the counties of 
Fairfax, Prince William, Pauquier, Stafford, Culpeper, Spotsyl- 
vania,- Orange, Louisa, Fluvanna, Goochland, Buckingham. Cum- 
beiiand, Appomattox, Campbell, Pittsjdvania and a portion of Hal- 
ifax. 

In most of these counties mining for gold was successfully carried 
on previous to the war, but since that time little or no intelligent 
work has been done. Many attempts have been made on a small 
scale, with inexperienced management and insufficient capital, and, 
for the most part, failure has been caused by putting all available 
funds into a mill to treat the ore, while in no case has sufficient 
development work been done to warrant this expenditure. 

There is no doubt that were this belt worked with capital and 
experience, such as is employed in gold mining sections in the West 
(very few of Avhich can show such well-defined and continuous 
veins), results would compare favorably. 

It is a matter of mint record that the mines in the State have 
produced from shallow workings (from 40 to 65 feet deep) several 
millions of dollars, and that with the crudest of mills. It is also 
a known fact that sulphide ores exist in the bottoms of some of 
these workings of payable value. Modern appliances, capital and 
enterprise is all that is necessary to develop the belt into a marked 
feature in the pi-oduction of gold in this country. 

COMMERCIAL FACILITIES. 

In respect to ready access to markets for the products of lier 
soil, of her foundries and factories, and of her inexhaustible beds 
of coal and iron, as well as in respect to facility of purchase from 
the markets of the world without, Virginia is most favorably cir- 
cumstanced. Five trunk lines of railroads penetrate and intersect 
the State. These, with their numerous branch lines, and their 
connections with other roads, place every portion of the State in 
communication with every principal port and city in the country. 
The lines of steamboats that ply the navigable streams of Eastern 
Virginia afford commercial communication for large sections of 
the State with the markets of this country and of Europe At 



53 

Norfolk and ISTewport JSTews are ports that maintain communica- 
tion with the European markets by means of seagoing steamers 
and vessels, while from these ports is also kept up an extensive 
commerce along the iVtlantic seaboard. The harbor of Hampton 
Eoads, upon which these ports sit like crowned queens of com- 
merce, is the largest, deepest and safest upon the whole Atlantic 
coast. Upon its bosom the combined navies and commercial marine 
of the world can ride in safety, and with ample berth As has 
been before stated, these ports are nearer than is New York to the 
great centers of population, and areas of production, of the West 
and Northwest. Chicago is nearer by fifty miles, in a direct line, 
to Norfolk than it is to New York. The harbor on the southern 
coast of England, between the Isle of Wight and the mainland, has 
been named, from its safety, the "King's Chamber." Hampton 
Roads, sheltered by the Virginia capes from the storms of the At- 
lantic, may well be regarded as our King's Chamber. 

NATURAL WONDERS. 

Many of the most marvelous natural wonders of the world are 
found in Virginia. The most widely-known of these is the Natural 
Bridge, in Eockbridge county, fourteen miles from Lexington. It 
is a stupendous bridge of rock, and from it the county (Rockbridge) 
received its name. It is 215 feet and 6 inches from the creek below 
to the top of the span or arch above. The arch is 90 feet in length, 
40 feet thick, and 60 feet wide; and across there runs a public 
county road. On either side of this road there are trees and bushes, 
so that travelers frequently pass over the stupendous chasm without 
being aware of its presence. This bridge is part of the roof of an 
ancient limestone cave. 

In the limestone section of the State there are numerous caves. 
The most noted of these are Weyer's Cave, in Augusta county, and 
the Luray Caverns, in Page county. There are in both of these 
numerous halls, chambers and grottoes, brilliant with stalactites 
and stalagmites, and adorned with other forms curiously wrought 
by the slow dripping of water through the centuries. 

Crab Tree Falls, near the summit of the Blue Ridge, in Nelson 
county, are formed by a branch of Tye river. They consist of three 
falls, the longest of these leaps of the stream being 500 feet. This 



55 

freak of nature, and the unsurpassed mountain scenery of the sur- 
rounding region, attract many tourists. The Balcony Falls, im- 
mediately where Eockbridge, Amherst and Bedford counties corner, 
the passage where the James river cuts its way through the Blue 
Eidge, presents a scene of granderir little, if any, inferior to the 
passage of the Potomac at Harper's Ferry, through the same range 
of mountains. 

Mountain Lake, in Giles county, is a beautiful body of deep 
water, some 3,500 feet above the sea level. The water is so trans- 
parent that the bottom can be seen in every part. Pleasure boats 
sailing upon it pass above the trunks and tops of large trees that 
are plainly seen. This would indicate that the lake is not of very 
great antiquit3^ Mountain Lake is a great summer resort. 

The Dismal Swamp may properly be accounted a natural wonder. 
It is an extensive region, lying mostly in Virginia, but partly in 
North Carolina, and covered with dense forests of cypress. Juniper, 
cedar and gum. It is a remote, weird region, inhabited by many 
wild animals. Its silence is broken by resounding echoes of the 
woodman's axe in hewing its trees that are of great value for the 
manufacture of buckets, tubs, and other varieties of woodenware, 
and for shingles, staves and ship-timber. In the middle of this 
swamp is Lake Drummond (lying entirely on the Virginia side), a 
round body of water six miles in diameter, being the largest lake 
in the State. It is noted for the purity of its amber-colored water, 
the hue being derived from the roots of cypress and juniper. This 
water will remain for years without becoming stale or stagnant, and 
is used by ships and vessels going on long sea voyages. 

EDUCATIONAL ADVANTAGES. 

Virginia has, from early colonial days, been a leader in educa- 
tional matters. While the system of African slavery and the long 
distances between the great plantations prevented the develop- 
ment of a public school system like that in the JSTew England 
colonies, yet some of the first free schools on the continent were 
in Virginia. William and Mary College, next to Harvard, the 
oldest in America, was founded in the latter part of the seven- 
teenth century, and sent out from her walls fifteen United States 
Senators, seventy members of the Federal House of Eepresenta- 



56 

tives, seventeen Governors, thirty-seven Judges, three Presidents 
■ — Jefferson, Monroe, and Tyler — and the great Chief Justice John 
Marshall. Excellent private schools abounded in Virginia prior 
to the Revolution; but Mr. Jefferson, who believed that in a democ- 
racy all the people should be educated, introduced into the Gen- 
eral Assembly, while the Revolutionary War was going on, a bill 
for the establishment of a complete system of public instruction 
from the primary school to the university. The bill failed to be- 
come a law, but in 1797, that portion of Jefferson's bill providing 
for primary schools was enacted into a law, but the execution was, 
unfortunately, left with the old County Court, which failed to 
carry the law into operation. ■ Mr. Jefferson lived to see the State 
University opened, in 1825, but his chief concern to the day of his 
death was the establishment of a system of primary public schools 
in which the children of all the people could be educated. 

The General Assembly enacted a public school law in 1846, leav- 
ing it optional with counties and cities to adopt it. When the 
war of secession came on, this system had been adopted in a num- 
ber of counties and cities, but it was wiped out by the devastating 
waves of Civil War. The Convention of 1867 framed a Consti- 
tution that provided for a system of public free schools for every 
city and county of the State, and the General Assembly put the 
system into operation in 1870, four years before the Constitution 
required it. 

The development of the public school system during recent 
years has been remarkable as the following figures will sho-w: 

Total revenue for the year ending July 31, 1905 $2,432,102 45 

Total revenue for the year ending July 31, 1908 3,519,739 57 

Salaries paid teachers in 1905 1,749,316 18 

Salaries paid teachers in 1908 2,336,044 73 

Amount spent for real estate and buildings, 1905 172,030 55 

Amount spent for real estate and buildings, 1908 430,992 72 

The figures for last session as compared with those of the preceding year show 
how steady the advance has been. 

Enrolhnent of white childi-en, 1907-8 262,698 

Enrollment of white children, 1906-7 257,654 

Enrollment of colored children, 1907-8 113,180 

Enrollment of colored children, 1906-7 111,677 

Making a total enrollment for 1907-8 375,678 

The largest in the history of the State. 



57 

In the mattei" of average attendance, the figures show an increase from 222,567 
to 233,039. Thus it appears that the increase in enrollment was something over 
G,500, while the increase in average attendance was nearly 10,500. 

There is no one indication of good teaching which can be more certainly relied 
upon than an increase in the average attendance of pupils. 

For the year ending July 31, 1907, there were 218 high schools, with an enroll- 
ment of 9,196. Last session there were 229 high schools, with an enrollment of 
9,400, and this in the face of a more rigid construction of the standard of require- 
ments for high schools. In 1905 there were only 74 high schools. 

In getting the high school statistics, considerable difficulty has been experienced 
in securing the elimination of grammar grade pupils studying one or two high 
school branches, from the reported figures, so that the increase in the real high 
school enrollment is greater than the figures show. 



TRANSPORTATION WAGONS. 

3 years ago .' 16 

2 years ago 31 

1 year ago 74 

This session Ijetween 140 and 150 

The people of Virginia are manifesting great interest in tlie 
movement for better schools. Associations for the improvement of 
the schools have been formed in every section of the State, and 
educators are constantly delivering addresses to interested audi- 
ences on the value of education and the importance of increasing 
the efficiency of our public school system. 



STATE EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE. 

In November, 1906, a conference of all the educational forces of 
the State was held in the city of Richmond. About 1,600 dele- 
gates were present, representing private and denominational insti- 
tutions; the higher State institutions; the teachers of high schools, 
and of primary and grammer grades; division superintendents; 
school trustees; county supervisors; members of city boards of 
education and town councils; members of citizens' improvement 
leagues; and others. 

The sessions continued for four days, and it is not too much to 
say that the results attained marked the beginning of a compre- 
hensive plan of systematic and cooperative effort far beyond any- 
thing that had ever been undertaken in the State. 



58 

Not only were the existing educational organizations — the 
Co-operative Education Association, the State Teachers' Associa- 
tion and the Superintendents' Conference — greatly strengthened 
and encouraged, but the trustees of the State banded themselves 
together into an organization which has already proved vigorous 
and helpful. 

The attendance upon these annual educational conferences has 
steadily grown in numbers and the meetings themselves have 
become more and more interesting and powerful. The attendance 
at the conference held November 24-27th in Newport News was 
about 2,000. 

The State Constitution, ordained in 1902, contains liberal pro- 
visions fur public education, under the operation of which the 
local revenues for school purposes have been largely increased. 
The demand is going up from every section for better school- 
houses, better teachers, and longer school terms. In addition to 
the primary and grammar schools all the cities and towns, and 
many of the rural districts, have excellent public high schools. 

COURSES OF STUDY. 

During the past two years a standard of requirements for high 
schools has been prepared and put into operation in all of the 
State high schools. A course of study for primary and grammar 
grades has also been prepared and is being largely used in the State. 

NORMAL TRAINING DEPARTMENTS. 

The last session of the legislature appropriated $15,000 annually 
for the establishment of normal training departments in some 
fifteen or twenty selected high schools of the State. These depart- 
ments will aid very materially in providing a superior class of 
teachers for the rural schools. 

AGRICULTURAL HIGH SCHOOLS. 

The legislature of 1908 set aside the sum of $20,000 for the pur- 
pose of establishing departments of agriculture, manual training 
and domestic economy in at least one high school in each of the ten 
congressional districts. 

WILLIAMS' BUILDING ACT. 

The figures already given, showing the amount of money spent 
for real estate and buildings, indicate in themselves that there has 



59 

been a great advance in school architecture. This has been 
brought about largely through the Williams' Building Act which 
provides for loans of money from the State Literary Fund for the 
purpose of building good schoolhouses. As much as one-half of 
the cost of a building may be borrowed at not exceeding 5 per cent. 
One of the great benefits of the Williams' building act and 
later legislation in reference to school buildings is the fact that the 
plans and specifications of school buildings must now be approved 
by competent authority and the greatest attention is being paid to 
proper ventilation and lighting. 

SCHOOL LIBRARIES. 

Recent legislation has made liberal provisions for establishing 
both permanent and traveling school libraries. The Department 
of Public Instruction estimates that no less than four or five hun- 
dred new school libraries will be opened in Virginia during the next 
twelve months. 

INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING 

So high a standing have Virginia's institutions of learning that 
her colleges number among their students pupils from almost 
every State in the Union. The State is well provided with schools 
for girls. 

The State Female Normal School at Farmville and the State. 
Male Normal School at William and Mary College afford excellent 
preparation for the work of teaching in the public schools. The 
last legislature provided for two additional State normal schools 
for women to be located at Harrisonburg and Fredericksburg. 
The Virginia Polytechnic Institute a# Blacksburg and the Univer- 
sity of Virginia at Charlottesville are among the foremost institu- 
tions of the kind in this country. The Virginia Military Insti- 
tute at Lexington, also a State institution, affords excellent 
instruction in military science, being second only to the United 
States Military Academy at West Point. 

At William and Mary the Virginia students get tuition free. 

At the University of Virginia the academical students (but not 
the professional) from Virginia receive their tuition free. At the 
Mrginia Polytechnic Institute 400 students may receive free tui- 
tion, that is four for each member of the House of Delegates. 

At the Virginia Military Institute there may be fifty cadets who 
receive board and tuition free, one from each senatorial district 
and ten from the State at large. 



60 



At the State Female Normal School there may be one student 
from each county and city in the State who shall receive tuition 
free. 

In addition to these State institutions of higher learning, there 
are many excellent private and denominational colleges, as well as 
Washington and Lee University, a private institution of high rank. 

It will thus be seen that Virginia has a complete system of 
public instruction, extending from the primary grades to the uni- 
versity and the technical schools, and many private high schools^ 
academies and colleges. 




A MODERN SCHOOLHOUSE IN EASTERN VIRGINIA. 

Industrial training has been introduced into the public schools 
of some of the cities and towns, and the State Board of Education 
has made provision for introducing instruction in agriculture into 
the rural public schools, as well as in the high schools previously 
mentioned. 

• The Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind at Staunton is 
one of the most efficient of its kind in the country. 

Virginia maintains an efficient system of public schools for 
colored children, and the Hampton Normal and Agricultural 
Institute and the Virginia Normal and Industrial Institute at 
Farmville. both State institutions, afford unsurpassed facilities for 
practical education. 

VIRGINIA AGRICULTURE IN THE LAST CENSUS. 

The following items of interest are taken from the last census, 
1900, the crops reported being those grown in 1899: 



61 



Virginia increasd in the value of vegetables produced in the last 
ten years 491 per cent. The value of all kinds of vegetables pro- 
duced in the year 1899 was $9,000,000. The value of all crops was 
154,900,000. Average value per acre of vegetables, $47.63. 
Average value for all crops, $12.06, as compared with States like 
Ohio, whose average value per acre for all crops was $12.59; of 
vegetables, $44.97. Pennsylvania's average value per acre for all 
crops was $13 . 86 ; of vegetables, $51 . 00. 

The average value per acre of corn last year in Virginia was 
$11.55; in Indiana, $11.59; in Iowa, $10.64. 

In wheat, the average value in Virginia was $7.31 per acre; in 
Indiana, $7.80, and in Iowa, $7.69 per acre. 

The average value per acre in potatoes in Virginia was $53.76; 
in Michigan, $50.16; in Ohio, $50.63 per acre. 

In hay, the average value per acre in Virginia was $17.85: in 
Indiana, $12.58; in Illinois, $14.70 per acre. (United States 
agricultural report, 1903.) 

Virginia ranks first in the United States as producer of kale and 
spinach. She ranks second in the production of cabbage, and 
third in tobacco, and is the largest peanut-producing State. 

Virginia ranks eighth in the number of apple trees growing. 

In the following table is given a list of those counties in the State 
growing more than 100,000 apple trees: 



Apple 



Peach 



Pear 



Albemarle i 505,000 

Augusta I 344,000 

Bedford 266,000 

Patrick 275,000 

Rockingham 229,000 

Nelson i 220,000 

Franklin j 210,000 

Rappahannock i 200,000 

Frederick I 192,000 

Floyd \ 196,000 

CarroU 193,000 

Botetourt ! 191,000 

Roanoke I 181,000 

Pittsylvania 183,000 



Shenandoah . 
Washington . 
Rockbridge . 
Amherst . . . 

Scott 

Lee 

Madison . . . 
Fairfax. . . . 



172,500 
151,000 
140,000 
139,000 
132,000 
132,000 
124,000 
118,000 



110,000 

48,000 

50,000 

10,000 

48,000 

16,000 

66,000 

34,000 

160,000 

.30,000 

7,500 

105,000 

54,000 

68,000 

70,000 

23,000 

31,000 

20,000 

4,000 

9,500 

5,300 

93,000 



9,800 
8,800 
3,300 

950 
6,500 

950 

1,800 

4,000 

1,000 

10,000 

660 
5,500 
5,500 
5,500 
5,500 
1,600 
4,200 
3,100 

980 

1,200 

1,100 

27,000 



63 



Crop of 1899 produced 10,000,000 bushels apples and 8,000,000 
bushels peaches. 

Sales of animal products year 1899: Wool, $409,600; milk, 
butter and cheese, $7,000,000; poultry, $6,681,553. Increase in 
hve stock during the last ten years: Dairy cows, 8,242 head; neat 
cattle, 70,000 head; horses, 50,000 head; mules, 10,000 head; 
swine, 50,000 head. 

Capital invested in Virginia in manufactures was: 1900, $92,- 
299,589; 1905, $147,989,182; increase $55,689,593—60 per cent. 

Wages paid: 1900, $20,273,889; 1905, $27,943,058; increase, 
$7,665,169—37.8 per cent. 

Cost material, 1900, $59,359,484; 1905, $83,649,149; increase, 
$24,289,665— 40.9 per cent.— (i^rom U. S. Census 1906.) 



COMPAEATIVE STATEMENT OF THE aCKEAGE AND CROPS IN VIR- 
GINIA FROM 1900 TO 1908. 



1900 
Acreage 
4,040,339 



1908 
Acreage 
3,301,500 



Corn 

Wheat 

Oats 

Hay 

Tobacco 

Potatoes 

Peanuts 

All trucks 

Orchard fruit 

Dairy products . . . . 
Forest products . . . 
Miscellaneous crops 

Live stock 

Mineral output . . . . 

Total 



$ 16,300,000 00 

6,200,000 00 

1,104,000 00 

7,670,000 00 

7,210,000 00 

2,500,000 00 

2,261,000 00 

5,000,000 00 

2,662,000 00 

1,900,000 00 

3,800,000 00 

470,000 00 

42,027,000 00 

30,000,000 00 



1129,104,000 00 



30,000,000 00 

8,000,00 00 

1,500,000 00 

10,000,000 00 
8,000,000 00 
3,200,000 00 
2,500,000 00 

12,500,000 00 
5,000,000 00 
7,000,000 00 

10,000,000 00 
1,300,000 00 

70,000,000 00 

35,000,000 00 



$204,000,000 00 



For further information about Virginia write Geo. W. Koiner, 
Commissioner of Agriculture and Immigration, Richmond, Va. 










CLAUDE A. SWANSON, GO\^ERNOR OF VIRGINIA. 



state Government of Virginia 



GOVERNOR. 



Claude A. Swanson Pittsylvania Comity. 

Private Secretary, Ben. P. Owen, Jr. . . .Manchester, Va. 

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR. 

J. Taylor EUyson Richmond City. 

ATTORNEY-GENERAL. 

William A. Anderson Rockbridge County. 

Assistant, Robert Catlett Rockbridge County. 

SECRETARY OF THE COMMONWEALTH. 

D. Q. Eggleston Charlotte County. 

SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. 

J. D. Eggleston, Jr Prince Edward County. 

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND IMMIGRATION. 

Geo. W. Koiner, Commissioner Augusta County. 

DAIRY AND FOOD DIVISION. 

W. D. Saunders, Commissioner Franklin County 

Benj. L. Purcell, Deputy Henrico County 

STATE TREASURER. 

A. W. Harman, Jr Rockbridge Coimty. 

AUDITOR OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS. 

Morton Marye Alexandria. 

Chief Clerk, C. Lee Moore Alexandria. 

SECOND AUDITOR. 

John G. Dew King and Queen County, 

3 



66 



COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE. 

Joseph Button Appomattox County. 

Deputy, J. N. Brenaman Shenandoah County. 

REGISTER OF THE LAND OFFICE AND SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC GROUNDS AND 

BUILDINGS. 

John W. Richardson Smyth County. 

SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC PRINTING. 

Davis Bottom Richmond City. 

SUPERINTENDENT OF THE PENITENTIARY. 

E. F. Morgan Roanoke County. 

Assistant Superintendent, F.A.Lamb. . .Manchester. 

ADJUTANT-GENERAL . 

Charles J. Anderson Richmond City. 

COMMISSIONER OF LABOR AND INDUSTRIAL STATISTICS. 

James B. Doherty ■ Richmond City. 

STATE HIGHWAY COMMISSIONER. 

P. St. J. Wilson Richmond City. 

STATE LIBRARIAN. 

Dr. Henry R. Mcllwaine Richmond, Va. 

Assistant, E. G. Swem Richmond, Va. 

STATE CORPORATION COMMISSION. 

Robert R. Prentis, Chairman Nansemond County. 

Jos. E. Willard Fairfax County. 

Wm. F. Rhea Bristol. 

Clerk, R. T. Wilson Richmond City. 

SECRETARY OF VIRGINIA MILITARY RECORDS. 

Robert W. Himter Winchester. 

STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. 

J. D. Phillips Blacksburg, Va. 



67 



^lEIvffiERS OF THE SENATE OF VIRGINIA. 

For tJie Term of Four Years, 
Commencing the second Wednesday in January, 1908. 

First District — Washington, Smyth, and city of Bristol — A. T. Lincoln, Marion. 

Second District — Scott, Lee, and Wise — J. C. Noel, Pennington Gap. 

Third District — Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, and Tazewell — Roland E. 
Chase, Clintwood. 

Fourth District — Roanoke countj^ Montgomery, and cities of Roanoke and 
Radford — John M. Hart, Roanoke. 

Fifth District— Giles, Bland, Pulaski, and Wythe~A. P. Strother, Pearisburg. 

Sixth District — Carroll, Grayson, and Patrick — J. M. Parsons, Independence. 

Seventh District — Craig, Botetourt, Alleghany, Bath, and city of Clifton 
Forge — ^F. W. King, Clifton Forge. 

Eighth District — Rockingham — Geo. B. Keezell, Keezeltown. 

Ninth District — Augusta, Highland, and city of Staunton^ — Edward Echols, 
Staunton. 

Tenth District — Shenandoah, Frederick, and city of Winchester — Robert M. 
Ward, Winchester. 

Eleventh District — Fauquier and Loudovm — Geo. Latham Fletcher, Warren- 
ton. 

Twelfth District — Clark, Page, and Warren — R. S. Parks, Luray. 

Thirteenth District — Spotsylvania, Stafford, Louisa, and city of Fredericks- 
burg — Frederick Wilraer Sims, Louisa. 

Fourteenth District — Alexandria comity. Prince William, Fairfax, and city of 
Alexandria^R. E. Thornton, Fairfax. 

Fifteenth District — Culpeper, Madison, Rappahamiock, and Orange — F. P. 
Carter, Washington. 

Sixteenth District — Goochland, Powhatan, Chesterfield, and city of Manches- 
ter — J. B. Watkins, Midlothian. * 

Seventeenth District — Albemarle, Greene, and city of Charlottesville — N. B. 
Early, Jr., Dawsonville. 

Eighteenth District — Appomattox, Buckingham, Fluvanna, and Charlotte — 
AVm. C. White, Hardware. 

Nineteenth District — ^Amherst and Nelson — Aubrey E. Strode, Amherst. 

Twentieth District- -Campbell, and city of Lynchburg— Don P. Halsey, Lynch- 
burg. 

Twenty-first District — Halifax — H. A. Edmonson, Houston. 

Twenty-second District — Bedford. Rockbridge, and city of Buena Vista — J. 
Randolph Tucker, Bedford City. 

Twenty-third District — Pittsylvania, Henry, and city of Danville — W. A. 
Garrett, Ridgewa)^ 

Twenty-foui"th District — Pittsylvania, and city of Danville — Geo. T. Rison, 
Chatham. 

Tw^enty-fifth District — Mecklenburg and Brunswick — J. D. Elam, Ebony. 

Twentv-sixth District — Franklin and Flovd — ^G. O. McAlexander, Endicott. 



68 

Twenty-seventh District — Greensville, Sussex, Surry, and Prince George — A. 
R. Hobbs, Disputanta. 

Twenty-eighth District — Nottoway, Amelia, Lunenburg, Prince Edward, and 
Cumberland — ^Wm. Hodges Mann, Nottoway. 

Twenty-ninth District — Dinwiddle, and city of Petersburg — Chas. T. Lassiter. 
Petersburg. 

Thirtieth t)istrict — Isle of Wight, Southampton, and Nansemond — E. E. Hol- 
land, Suffolk. 

Thirty-first District— Norfolk city— W. W. Sale, Norfolk. 

Thirty-second District — Caroline, Hanover, and King William — Chas.U. Grav- 
vatt, Port Royal. 

Thirty-third District — Norfolk county, and city of Portsmouth — John A. Les- 
ner, Norfolk. 

Thirty-fourth District — King George, Richmond, Westmoreland, Lancaster, 
and Northumberland — C. Harding Walker, Heathsville. 

Thirty-fifth District — Henrico, New Kent, Charles City, James City, and city of 
Williamsburg — T. Ashby Wickham, Richmond. 

Thirty-sixth District — Elizabeth city, York, Wai-wick, and city of Newport 
News — Saxon W. Holt, Newport News. 

Thirty-seventh District — Accomac, Northampton, and Princess Anne — Ben. T. 
Gunter, Accomac. 

Thirty-eighth District — Richmond city — E. C. Folkes and A. C. Harman, Rich- 
mond. 

Thirty-ninth District; — King and Queen, Middlesex, Essex, Gloucester, and 
Mathews — John R. Saunders, Saluda. 

MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES OF VIRGINIA. 

For the term of Two Years, Commencing the Second Wednesday in January, 19C8. 

Accomac — John R. Rew, Parksley. 

Albemarle and Charlottesville — T. M. Dunn; Free Union, and D. H. Pitts, 
ScottsviUe. 

Alexandria City and Comity — James R. Caton, Alexandria. 

Alleghany and Craig — N. E. Spessard, New Castle. 

Amherst — H. S. Myers, Forks of Buffalo. 

Appomattox — T. J. Stratton, Spout Spring. 

Amelia and Nottoway — J. A. Sydnor, Mamiboro. 

Augusta and Staunton — John W. Churchman, Stauntcn, and S. H. Walker, 
Weyers Cave. 

Bath, Highland, Buena Vista, and Rockbridge — S. W. Sterrett, Hightown. 

Bedford — Henry C. Lowry, Bedford city, and Thomas S. West, Bellevue. 

Botetoiu't — G. W. Breckenridge, Fincastle. 

Brimswick — R. S. Powell, Woodview. 

Buckingham and Cumberland — Alex. S. Hall, Greyburn. 

Campbell — H. C. Featherston, Lynchburg. 

Caroline — David B. Powers, Jr., Port Royal. 

Carroll— I. W. Surratt, Sylvatus. 



69 

Charlotte — B. D. Adams, Red Oak. 
Chesterfield — ^W. W. Baker, Hallsboro. 

Chesterfield, Powhatan, and Manchester — WiUis C. PuUiam, Manchester. 
Clarke and Warren — M. M. Johnson, Front Royal. 
Culpeper — A. A. Bell, Culpeper. 
Dickenson and Wise — S. H. Sutherland, Clintwood. 
Dinwiddie — Thomas E. Clarke, Sutherland. 
Elizabeth City and Accomac — Harry R. Houston, Hampton. 
Fairfax — ^Walter Tansill Oliver, Fairfax. 
Fauquier — M. M. Green, Warrenton. 

Fauquier and Loudoun — John O. Daniel, Leesburg, R. F. D. 
Floyd— D. L. EUer, Posey. 
Franklin — Joseph H. Chitwood, Rocky Momit. 
Frederick and Winchester — R. E. Byrd, Winchester. 
Giles and Bland — Martin Williams, Pearisbm-g. 
Goochland and Fluvanna — John G. Luce, Sabot. 
Gloucester — J. N. Stubbs, Woods X Roads. 
Grayson — ^L. K. Cornett, Elk Creek. 

Halifax — Joseph Stebbins, Jr., South Boston, and John W. Hodges, Lennig. 
Hanover — Rosewell Page, Richmond. 
Henrico — C. W. Throckmorton, Richmond. 
Henry — Geo. L. Richardson, Martinsville. 
Isle of Wight — W. E. Howie, Ferguson's Wharf 
King and Queen, and Essex — James M. Lewis, Miller's Tavern. 
King William and Hanover — Thomas H. Edwards, West Point. 
Lancaster and Richmond — John Curlett, Whealton. 
Lee — C. D. Tyler, Jonesville. 
Loudoun — Fenton M. Love, Hamilton. 
Louisa — Carl H. Nolting, TreviUians. 
Lunenburg — S. H. Love, Oral Oaks. 
Lynchburg — Tipton D. Jennings, Lynchburg. 
Madison and Greene — James E. Thrift, Madison. 
Mathews and Middlesex — W. D. Evans, Saluda. 
Mecklenburg — S. P. Read, Palmer's Spring. 
Montgomery and Radford — Charles A. Johnston, Christiansburg. 
Nansemond — Robert W. Withers, Sufl^olk. 
Nelson — George W. Whithead, Roseland. 
Newport News — ^W. E. Barrett, Newport News. 

New Kent, Charles City, James City, York, Wai-wick, and city of Williams- 
bm-g — W. E. Gogaffan, Harris Grove. 

Norfolk City— William W. Old, Jr., Norfolk, and Merritt T. Cooke, Norfolk. 

Norfolk County — E. W. Owens, Portsmouth, and L. M. Silvester, Portsmouth 

Northampton and Accomac — John T. Wilkins, ni.,EastviUe. 

Northumberland and Westmoreland — T. A. Jett, Reedville. 

Orange — C. C. Taliaferro, Orange. 

Page and Rappahannock — D. S. Louderback, Shenandoah. 

Patrick— D. H. Wood, Elamsville. 



70 

Pittsylvania and Danville — S. H. Wilson, ByrdviUe, W.. N. Brown, Danville, 
andS. F. Clement, Sandy Level. 

Petersburg — R. B. Willcox, Jr., Petersbui'g. 

Portsmouth — C. N. Markham. 

Prince Edward — John J. Owen, Green Bay. 

Prince William — Tyson Janney, Occoquan. 

Princess Anne — George T. Snead, Pungo. 

Pulaski — O. C. Brewer, Pulaski. 

Rockingham — H. M. Rogers, Mt. Crawford, and P. B. F. Good, Montevideo. 

Richmond City — Edwin P. Cox, Eugene C. Massie, Harry C. Glenn, Hill Mon- 
tague, and C. E. Wingo. 

Roanoke City — A. B. Hunt, Roanoke. 

Roanoke County — A. M. Bowman, Salem. 

Rockbridge and Buena Vista — J. S. Craig, Goshen. 

Russell — William D. Griffith, Honaker. 

Scott— C. S. Pendleton, Rye Cove. 

Shenandoah — Bm'der B. Bowman, Edinbui'g. 

Soptsylvania and Fredericksburg — C. O'Connor Goolrich, Fredericksburg. 

Smyth — J. H. Wissler, Cedar Springs. 

Southampton — J. W. Williams, Courtland. 

Stafford and King George — R. C. L. Moncure, Falmouth. 

Sussex and Greenesville — J. S. Weaver, Emporia. 

Surry and Prince George — William B. Daniel, Templeton. 

Tazewell and Buchanan — Deskin Green, Point Lick. 

Washington and Bristol City — S. L. Millard, Bristol, and Alexander Stuart, 
Abingdon, 

Wythe — Harry G. Robinson, Graham Forge. 

VIRGINLV REPRESENTATION IN CONGRESS. 

SENATORS. 

John W. Daniel, of Lynchbm'g Term expires 1911. 

Thomas S. Martin, of Albemarle Term expires 1913. 

REPRESENTATIVES. 

First District — W7n. A. Jones, Warsaw. 

Accomac, Northampton, Lancaster, Richmond county, Northumberland, 
Westmoreland, Gloucester, Middlesex, Mathews, Essex, King and Queen, Caroline, 
Spotsylvania, Elizabeth City, Warwick, York, and cities of Fredericksburg and 
Newport News. ' 

Second District — H. L. Maynard, Portsmouth. 

Cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth, counties of Princess Anne, Norfolk, Nanse- 
mond, Isle of Wight, and Southampton. 



71 

iMrd District — John Lamb, Richmond. 

Cities of Richmond, Manchester and Williamsbm-g, and the counties of Henrico, 
Goochland, Chesterfield, New Kent, Hanover, King Wiham, James City, and Charles 

City. 

Fourth District — Francis R. Lassiter, Petersburg. 

City of Petersbm-g, and the coimties of Prince George, Surry, Sussex, Dinwiddie, 
Greenesville, Brunswick, Mecklenburg, Lunenbiu-g, Nottoway, Amelia, Powhatan, 
and Prince Edward. 

Fifth District — E. W. Saunders, Rocky Mount. 
City of Danville, and the town of North Danville, and coimties of Pittsyl- 
vania, Franklin, Henry, Patrick, Carroll, and Grayson. 

Sixth District — Carter Glass, Lynchburg. ' 

Cities of Lynchburg, Roanoke and Radford, and the coimties of Roanoke, 
Montgomery, Bedford, Campbell, Charlotte, Halifax, and Floyd. 

Seventh District — James May, Madison. 

Cities of Winchester and Charlottesville, and the counties of Frederick, Clarke, 
Warren, Rappahannock, Madison, Greene, Albemarle, Rockingham, Shenandoah, 
and Page. 

Eighth District — Charles C. Carlin, Alexandria. 

City of Alexandria, and cotmties of Loudoun, Fairfax, Alexandria, Fauquier, 
Culpeper, Orange, Louisa, King George, Staft'ord, and Prince WiUiam. 

Ninth District — C. Bascom Slemp, Big Stone Gap. 
Lee, Scott, Wise, Dickenson, Buchanan, Russell, Washington, Smyth, Bland, 
Tazewell, Wythe, Pulaski, Giles, and city of Bristol. 

Tenth District — H. D. Flood, Affomattox. 

Cities of Staunton, Buena Vista and Clifton Forge, and counties of Augusta, 
Bath, Highland, Alleghany, Rockbridge, Amherst, Nelson, Appomattox, Bucking- 
ham, Fluvanna, Cumberland, Botetourt, and Craig. 

STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION. 

Claude A. Swanson, Governor. 
W. A. Anderson, Attorney-General. 
J. D. Eggleston, Jr., Superintendent Public Instruction. 
Charles W. Kent, University of Virginia. 

J. L. Jarman, President State Female Normal Institute, Farmville. 
Col. N. B. Tucker, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington. 
M. M. Lynch, Superintendent of Schools of Frederick county. 
S. R. McChesney, Superintendent of Schools, Bristol. 
R. C. Stearnes, Secretary. 



72 



STATE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. 

University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va. 
The Virginia Mihtary Institute, Lexington, Va. 

Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College and Polytechnic Institute, 
Blacksburg, Va. 

The College' of William and Mary, WiUiamsbui'g, Va. 

State Female Normal School, FarmviUe, Va. 

State Normal and Industrial School for Women, Harrisonburg, Va. 

State Normal and Industrial School for Women, Fredericksburg, Va. 

The Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind, Staunton, Va. 

Virginia School for Colored Deaf and Blind Children, Newport News, Va. 

The Virginia Normal and Industrial Institute (Colored), Petersburg, Va. 

STATE BOARDS. 

State Board of Medical Examiners — R. W. Martin, President, Lynchburg, Va. 

State Board of Pharmacy — James L. Avis, President, Harrisonburg, Va. 

State Board of Dental Examiners— H. Wood Campbell, President, Suffolk, Va. 

State Board of Veterinary Examiners — Dr. J. G. Ferneyhough, State Veteri- 
narian, BurkeviUe, Va. 

State Board of Health — Dr. Ennion G. Williams, Commissioner, Richmond, 

Va. State Geological Survey — Dr. Thos. L. Watson, State Geologist, Uni- 
versity, Va. 

STATE HOSPITALS. 

Eastern State Hospital, Wdliamsburg, Va. — For white patients. 
Southwestern State Hospital, Marion, Va. — For white patients. 
Western State Hospital, Staunton, Va. — For white patients. 
Central State Hospital, Petersburg, Va. — For colored patients. 



JUDICIARY SYSTEM. 



SUPREME COURT OF APPEALS. 

James Keith, President (term 10 years) Fauquier County. 

Richard H. Cardwell (term 4 years) Hanover County. 

John A. Buchanan (term 8 years) Washington Coimty. 

George M. Harrison (term 12 years) Augusta County. 

Stafford G. Whittle (term 6 years) Henry Coimty. 

The terms of the Judges commenced February 1, 1907. 



PLACES AND TERMS OF SESSION. 

At Richmond, on the fifth day of November, fifth day of January, and fifth day 
of March, and continues one hundred and sixty days if necessary. Clerk — H. 
Stewart Jones. Librarian — W. W. Scott. 

At Staimton, on the tenth day of September, and continues sixty days if neces- 
sary. Clerk — Joseph A. Waddell. Librarian — John M. Kinney. 

At Wytheville, on the tenth day of Jime, and continues sixty days if neces- 
sary. Clerk — J. M. Kelly. Librarian — J. J. A. Powell. 

Reporter — Martin P. Burks. Secretary — M. B. Watts. 

Annual examinations of candidates for admisssion to the bar of Virginia are 
held at Richmond on the first Friday after the second Tuesday in November, and at 
Wytheville on the third Friday after the first Tuesday in June. 



CIRCUIT COURTS. 

'.] 
Terms of Judges commence February 1. | 

First Circuit — Wm. N. Portlock, Judge, Norfolk Term expires 1914. 

Norfolk County — First Monday in January, February, March, April, May, 
June, July, October, November and December. 

Second Circuit — James L. McLemore, Judge, Suffolk Term expires 1912. 

Nansemond — Second Monday in January, March, May, July and October. 
Southampton — Third Monday in January, March, May, July and October. 
City of Norfolk — Second Monday in February, April, Jime and November. 

Third Circuit — J. F. West, Judge, Waverly Term expires 1910. 

Prince George — Third Tuesday in January, March, May, September and No- 
vember, and July sixth. 



Y4 

Surry — Fourth Tuesday in January, March, May, September, November, and 

July twelfth. 
Sussex — Fii'st Tuesday in January, March, May, September and November, and 

July first. 
Greenesville — First Tuesday in February, April, June, October and December . 
Brunswick — Third Tuesday in February, April, Jime and October. 

Fourth Cikcuii* — Walter A. Watson, Judge, Swansboro Term expires 1908. 

Amelia — ^Fourth Thursday in January, March, May, August, October and 
December. 

Chesterfield — Second Monday in February, April, June, September and No- 
vember. 

Dinwiddie — Third Monday in January, March, May, August, October and 
December. 

Nottoway — ^First Thursday in January, March, May, August, October and 
December. 

City of Petersburg — June fifth and December fifth. 

Fifth Circuit — Geo. J. Himdley, Judge, Farmville Term expires 1914. 

Appomattox — First Monday in February, second Monday in May, fourth Mon- 
day in July, and second Monday in November. 

Charlotte — First Monday in January, March, May, July, September and No- 
vember. 

Ciunberland — Tuesday after fourth Monday in January, April, June and No- 
vember. 

Prince Edward — Third'Monday in March, May, September and November. 

Powhatan — First Monday in February, April, June, September and November. 

Sixth Circuit — Wm. R. Barksdale, Judge, Houston Term expires 1912. 

Lunenburg — Second Monday in April, June, October and December. 

Mecklenburg — Third Monday in February, April, June, August, October and 
December. 

Halifax — Fourth Monday in January, March, May, July, September and No- 
vember. 

Campbell — Second Monday in January, March, May, July, September and No- 
vember. 

City of Lynchburg — Third Monday in January, March, May, September and 
November. 

Seventh Circuit — E. J. Harvey, Judge, Stuart .Term expires 1910. 

Pittsylvania — Second Monday in February, third Monday La April, third Mon- 
day in June, second Monday in August, fourth Monday in October, and 
third Monday in December. 

Frankliu — March tenth, and first Monday in June, September tenth, and De- 
cember fifth. 

Henry — Second Monday in January, fii'st Monday in April, second Monday in 
July, and first Monday in October. 

Patrick — Tuesday after the foiu-th Monday in February, May, August and 
November. 

City of Danville — March twenty-fifth, and September twenty-fifth. 



75 _ 

Eighth Circuit— John M. White, Judge, Charlottesville Term expires 1908 

Madison— First Monday in February, April, June, August, October and De- 
cember. 
Greene— Third Monday in February, April, June, August, October and Decem- 
ber. 
Albemarle County— First Monday in February, April, June, August, October 
and December. 

Ninth Circuit— D. A. Grimsley, Judge, Culpeper Term expires 1914. 

Culpeper— Third Monday in January, March, May, July, September and No- 
vember. 
Orange— Fourth Monday in January, March, May, July, September and No- 
vember. 
Louisa— Second Monday in January, March, May, July, September and No- 
vember. 
Goochland County— Third Monday in January, March, May, July, September 
and November. 

Tenth Circuit- R. Carter Scott, Judge, Richmond Term expires 1912. 

Henrico— First Monday in January, April, July and October. 
City of Richmond— First Monday in February, May and November. 
Eleventh Circuit— C. W. Robinson, Judge, Newport News. .Term expires 1910. 
Accomac— First Monday in January. March, May, July, September and No- 
vember. 
Northampton— Second Monday in January, March, May, July, September and 

November. 
Elizabeth City— Third Monday in January, March, May, September and No- 
vember. 
City of Newport News— First Monday in February, April, Jime, August, Octo- 
ber and December. 
Twelfth Circuit— T. R. B. Wright, Judge, Tappahannock . . Term expires 1908. 
Richmond County— First Monday in January, March, May, July, September 

and November. 
Northumberland— Second Monday in February, April, June, August, October 

and December. 
Lancaster— Third Monday in January, March, May, July, September and No- 
vember. 
Westmoreland— Fourth Monday in February, April, June, August, October 

and December. 
Essex— Third Monday in February, April, June, August, October and Decem- 
ber. 
Thirteenth Circuit— Claggett B. Jones, Judge, Bruington. .Term expires 1914. 
Gloucester— First Monday in January, March, May, July, September and No- 
vember. 
Mathews— Third Monday in January. March, May, July, September and No- 
vember. 
King and Queen— Second Tuesday in February, April, June, August, October 

and December. 
King WiUiam— First Tuesday in February, April, June, August, October and 
December. 



76 

Middlesex — Tuesday after the fourth Monday in January, March, May, July, 
September and November. 
Fourteenth Circuit — D. Gardiner Tyler, Judge, Stm-geon Point, Term expires 1912 

New Kent — Second Thursday in January, March, May, July, September and 
November. 

Charles City — Third Thui'sday in February, April, June, August, October and 
December. 

York — First Tuesday in February, April, June, August, October and Decem- 
ber. 

Warwick — Second IMonday in January, March, May, July, September and No- 
vember. 

City of Williamsburg and James City — Second Monday in February, April, 
June, August, October and December. 
Fifteenth Circuit — Jno. E. Mason, Judge, Fredericksbm-g . .Term expires 1910. 

King George — First Thursday in January; March, May, July, September and 
November. 

Stafford — ^^Second Monday in January, March, May, July, September and No- 
vember. 

Spotsylvania — First Monday in February, April, June, August, October and 
December. 

Caroline — Second Monday in February, April, June, August, October arid De- 
cember. 

Hanover — Third Monday in January, March, May, Julj', September and No- 
vember. 
Sixteenth Circuit — J. B. T. Thornton, Judge, Manassas Term expires 1908. 

Prince William — First Monday in February, April, June, August, October and 
December. 

Fairfax — Third Monday in January, March, May, July, September and Novem- 
ber. 

Alexandria — Third ^Monday in February, April, June, October and December. 

City of Alexandria — First Monday in January, May, September and November. 
Seventeenth Circuit — Thos. W.Harrison, Judge, Winchester, Term expires 1914. 

Frederick — First Monday in February, April, June, August, October and De- 
cember. 

Clarke — ^Fourth Monday in January, March, May, July, September and No- 
vember. 

Warren — First Monday in January, March, May, July, September and Novem- 
ber. 

Shenandoah — Second Monday in January, Mai"ch, May, July, September and 
November. 
Eighteenth Circuit — S. H. Letcher, Judge, Lexington Term expires 1912. 

Rockbridge — Second Monday in February, April, June, August, October and 
December. 

Augusta — Fom-th Monday in February, April, June, August, October and De- 
cember. 
Nineteenth Circuit — Geo.K. Anderson, Judge, Clifton Forge, Term expires 1910. 

Alleghany — February first, April first, Jime fifteenth, September fifteenth, and 
December fifteenth. 



77 



Bath— Twentieth day of March, May, July and November. 
Botetourt— March fii'st, Jime first, August twenty-fifth, and December first. 
Craig— On the twentieth day of February and tenth of May and October. 
Highland— Fom-th Tuesday in April, July tenth, and NovembeT tenth. 

Twentieth Circuit— W. W. Moffett, Judge, Salem Term expires 1908. 

Bedford— First day of March, September and December, and June tenth. 
City of Roanoke— Fifteenth day of March, May, September and December. 
Montgomery — February fifth, and first day of May, July and October. 
Roanoke— January first, April first, June first, and November fifteenth. 
Floyd— Eighteenth day of February, sixteenth day of April, July and October. 
Twenty-first Circuit— Robt. C. Jackson, Judge, WytheviUe. .Term expires 1914. 
Wythe— Second Monday in January, April, August, and first Monday in No- 
vember. 
Pulaski— Second Monday in February, first Monday in May and September, 

third Monday in November. 
Carroll— Tuesday after fii-st Monday in March, Tuesday after first Monday in 

May and September, Tuesday after first Monday in December. 

Grayson— Tuesday after third Monday in March, Tuesday after first Monday in 

June, Tuesday after second Monday in October, Tuesday after second 

Monday in December. 

Twenty-second Circuit— W. J. Henson, Judge, Pearisburg. .Term expires 1912. 

Qiles — First Monday in February, second Monday in May, and fourth Monday 

in September. 
Bland — Second Monday in March and July, and third Monday in October. 
Tazewell — Third Monday in February, and fom-th Monday in May, August and 
November. (One term may be designated exclusively for the trial of 
criminal cases.) 
Twenty-third Circuit — Frank B. Button, Judge, Abingdon, Term expnes 1910. 
Washington— Fom-th Monday in January, March, May, November, and third 

Monday in September. 
Smyth— Third Monday in February, April, August, October and December. 
Twenty-fourth Circuit — H. A. W. Skeen, Judge, Big Stone Gap, Term expires'08. 
Lee — Third Monday in February, May, September, and second Monday in De- 
cember. 
Wise — First Monday in January, April, August and November. 
Dickenson — Third Monday in March, July, October, and fourth Monday in Jan- 
uary. 
Twenty-fifth Circuit — T. N. Haas, Judge, Harrisonburg. . . .Term expires 1915. 
Rockingham— Third Monday in January, March, May, July, September and 

November. 
Page — Third Monday in February, April, Jime, August, October and Decem- 
ber. 
Twenty-sixth Circuit — Edward S.Turner, Judge, Warrenton, Term expires 1915. 
Rappahannock— Second Monday in February, April, June, August, October 
and December. 



78 

Fauquier — Fourth Monday in January, March, May, July, September and No- 
vember. 

Loudoun — Second Monday in February, April, June, third Monday in August, 
second Monday in October and December. 
Twenty-seventh Circuit — William E. Bums, Judge, Lebanon, Term expires 1915. 

Buchanan — Tuesday after fourth Monday in March and July, and Tuesday 
after second Monday in December. 

Russell — ^Tuesday after first Monday in January, March, May, September and 
November. 

Scott — First Monday in February, May, September, fourth Monday in Novem- 
ber. 
Twenty-eighth Circuit — B. D. White, Princess Anne Term expires 1915. 

Isle of Wight — First Monday in March, June, October and December. 

Princess Anne — Third Monday in January, March, May, July, September and 
November. 

City of Portsmouth — Fom-th Monday in March and September. 
Twenty-ninth Circuit — Bennett T. Gordon, Judge, Lovingston, Term expiresl915. 

Amherst — Third Monday in February, April, June, August, October and De- 
cember. 

Nelson — Fourth Monday in January, March, May, July, September and No- 
vember. 

Buckingham — Tuesday after second Monday in February, April, June and 
October. 

Fluvanna — Fourth Monday in February, April, June, August, October and 
December. 
Thirtieth Circuit J. Lawrence Campbell, Bedford City. 

Bedford and Franklin Coimties. 

CORPORATION COURTS. 

Alexandria Louis C. Barley, Judge Term expires February 1, 1913. 

Bristol John W. Price, Judge Term expires February 1, 1912. 

Buena Vista George W. Morris, Judge . . . .Term expires February 1, 1912. 

Charlottesville G. Bxirnley Sinclair Term expires February 1, 1913. 

Danville A. M. Aiken, Judge Term expues February 1, 1913. 

Fredericksburg . . . .John T. Gookick, Judge Term expires February 1, 1915. 

Lynchburg Frank P. Christian, Judge . . .Term expires February 1, 1915. 

Manchester Wm. I. Clopton, Judge Term expires February 1, 1909. 

Newport News T. J. Barham, Judge Term expires February 1, 1909. 

Norfolk A. R. Hanckel, Judge Term expires February 1, 1911. 

Petersburg J. M. Mullen, Judge Term expires February 1, 1913. 

Portsmouth Kenneth A. Bain, Judge Term expires February 1, 1911. 

Radford George E. CasseU, Judge Term expires February 1, 1912. 

Richmond S. B. Witt, Judge Term expires February 1, 1913. 

Roanoke Jno. W. Woods, Judge Term expires February 1, 1909. 

Staunton. . Henry W. Holt, Judge Term expires February 1, 1911. 

Winchester ^Wm. M. Atkinson, Judge . . . .Term expires February 1, 1909. 



79 

CITY COURTS OTHER THAN CORPORATION COURTS. 

Terms commencing February 1, 1907. 

Law and Chancery Court of Norfolk City (term eight 

years) Wm. Bruce Martin, Judge . 

Chancery Com't of Richmond City (term four years) . .Daniel Grinnan, Judge. 
Law and Equity Comt of Richmond City (term eight 

years) John H. Ingram, Judge. 

FEDERAL JUDICIAL OFFICERS IN VIRGINIA. 

U. S. CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS — FOURTH CIRCUIT. 

Meets at Richmond on first Tuesday in February, first Tuesday in May and first 
Tuesday in November. Melville W. Fuller, Chief Justice of the United States, Pre- 
siding Judge. Nathan Goff and Jeter C. Pritchard, Circuit Judges. Henry T. 
Meloney, Clerk. Claude M. Dean, Deputy Clerk. 

EASTERN DISTRICT. 

Circuit Court Nathan Goff Clarksbm-g, W. Va; 

Circuit Judge Jeter C. Pritchard AsheviUe, N. C. 

District Judge Edmimd WaddiU, Jr Richmond, Va. 

District Attorney L. L. Lewis Richmond, Va. 

Assistant District Attorney . . . .Robert H. Talley Richmond, Va. 

Marshal Morgan Treat West Point, Va. 

CLERKS OF CIRCUIT AND DISTRICT COURTS. 

Clerk Circuit Court Joseph P. Brady Richmond, Va. 

Deputy Clerk District Court . . .Joseph P. Brady Richmond, Va. 

Deputy Clerk District Court . . .R. W. P. Garnett Alexandria, Va. 

Clerk District Court George E. Bowden Norfolk, Va. 

Deputy Clerk Circuit Court . . . .George E. Bowden Norfolk, Va. 

TIME AND PLACE OF HOLDING COURTS. 

Circuit and District Courts — First Monday in April and October, at Richmond. 
First Monday in January and July, at Alexandria. First Monday in May and No- 
vember, at Norfolk. 



80 



WESTERN DISTRICT. 

Circuit Judge . Nathan Goff Clarksbm-g, W. Va. 

Circuit Judge Jeter C. Pritchard Asheville, N. C. 

District Judge Henry Clay McDowell Lynchburg, Va. 

District Attorney Thomas L. Moore Christiansburg, Va. 

Assistant District Attorney .... Harris Hoge Roanoke, Va. 

Marshal S. Brown AUen Staunton, Va. 

CLERKS OF CIRCUIT AND DISTRICT COURTS. 

Wm. M'Cauley Lynchburg, Va. 

Stanley W. Martin Danville, Va. 

Peyton Gray Abingdon, Va. 

A. K. Fletcher Harrisonburg, Va. 

TIME AND PLACE OF HOLDING COURTS. 

Circuit and District Courts — At Lynchburg, Tuesday after second Monday in 
March and September. At Danville, Tuesday after second Monday in April and 
November. At Abingdon, Tuesday after first Monday in May and October. At 
Harrisonburg, Tuesday after first Monday in June and December. At Charlottes- 
ville, second Monday in January. At Roanoke, second Monday in February. 



The Counties of Virginia. 



ACCOMAC COUNTY. 

Accomac county is situated in wliat is known as the "'Eastern Shore" 
section of Virginia, eighty miles east of Eichmond. It is about forty 
miles long, with an average width of ten miles, and has an area of 478 
square miles. 

Population, census of 1900, 32,570, an increase of 5,293 since census of 
1890. Males twenty-one years and over, 7,945. 

This county is among the best of the Virginia counties in almost every- 
thing that goes to make up a great and thriving rural community. 

Its natural advantages are equalled by few and surpassed by none. It 
has a delightful climate, neither extreme of heat nor' cold, the thermometer 
rarely ever reaching ninety-four degrees, in summer, or falling as low as 
ten above zero in winter. Delightful sea breezes sweep over the land 
almost every day in summer. With the Atlantic ocean on one side and 
the Chesapeake bay on the other, the air is cooled in summer and warmed 
in winter by these bodies of water. 

Heavy snows are rare, as are severe freezes. Navigation is open almost 
every day in winter, and railroad trains are never blocked by snow. 

The surface of the county is smooth, even, and almost level, drained 
by Pocomoke river. Soil light loam, red clay subsoil, easily tilled, warm 
and productive. 

Farm products are sweet and Irish potatoes, corn, wheat, oats, vege- 
tables, etc. There is no county in the United States that produces as many 
sweet potatoes, nor as fine as Accomac, it yielding fully Ave per cent, of 
the whole of that crop made in this country. Tlie money value is enor- 
mous. 

Trucking is the leading farm industry. Besides the millions of bushels 
of potatoes sold annually, are abundant crops of onions, garden peas, 
snaps, cabbage, kale, etc. 

The growth of large and small fruits in constantly increasing acreage 
bids fair to make this an important and profitable industry. Apples, 
peaches, blackberries and strawberries are the principal fruits cultivated, 
but all fruits common to the temperate zone thrive well. 

The fish and oyter industry is probably more valuable and extensive 
than in any other county of the State. Oysters of unequalled flavor, and 
fish in great variety and finest kinds abound; also clams, mandanose and 
crabs are not only a source of great revenue, but an important article of 
food to the inhabitants. The oyster industry is one of the chief pursuits 
of many of the inhabitants. Thousands of people make their money and 
their living out of the waters that surround the peninsula. The planting 
of oysters has developed into the most profitable branch of this industry. 
Thousands of acres of planting bottoms are now seeded with millions of 
bushels of oysters, and yet this branch of the business is just in its 
infancy; opportunities for profitable investment in this business are on 
every hand. Good planting grounds are being rapidly taken up, but there 
are still thousands of acres of good land left. Recent laws have made 
investments in this business safe and secure, and local investors are eagerly 
taking advantage of the opportunity. The oyster business the past year 
in this section has increased greatly, and promises large development. 



83 

This county has been termed the "Hunter's Paradise." Game is plenti- 
ful, both in winter and summer, on land and on water. The fields abound 
with partridges, the woods and meadows with snipe, woodcock, rabbits, 
squirrels, raccoons, foxes and opossums. The rivers, creeks and bays with 
wild geese, brant ducks, curlew, plover and the sage hen. 

Stock and grazing facilities are very good. Trotting horses are raised 
with great success, also farm horses, dairy stock and sheep. Pasturage 
is good and abundant on the ocean and bay sides of the county. This 
county was formerly noted for its wild ponies, that were native to this 
section, and not only a source of great interest, but of profit to the in- 
habitants. 

About sixty-five per cent, of land is in cultivation, balance in timber, 
consisting of oak, pine, chestnut, beech, gum and holly, of which the oak 
and pine is most abundant and valuable, but is being cut rapidly. 

Manufactories consist of lumber mills, barrel factories, flour and corn 
mills, carriage, cart and wagon factories. 

Railroad transportation is excellent, no farm being more than six miles 
from a railroad. The New York, Philadelphia and Norfolk, and Norfolk 
and Western railroads greatly facilitate intercourse and business commu- 
nication between this and other sections, and the Chesapeake and Atlantic 
railroad gives daily communication with Baltimore, thus making this 
one of the most favored portions of the State in this respect. 

Water transportation cannot be surpassed, steamers and sail vessels on 
all sides. County is indented on east and west by numerous sounds, in- 
lets and smaller water courses, navigable nearly their entire length, and 
furnishing means of transportation to the markets of the large cities of 
the north and east, being within eight hours of Philadelphia and Balti- 
more and ten hours of New York. 

Educational advantages are very good — two good academies, several pub- 
lic high schools, and one hundred and fifty primary schools. 

Telephone service good throughout the county, every hamlet connected. 

Churches and mail facilities very desirable, many of the leading denom- 
inations represented and churches numerous and convenient. Mail facil- 
ities excellent. 

Water in upland very good; in lowlands indifferent. Unless artesian 
wells are resorted to, good flows can be had at seventy-five or one hun- 
dred feet in depth. 

Health unsurpassed in eastern United States. 

Lands range in price from $10 to $30 per acre. Good lands near rail- 
road or river sell for about $30 per acre, other lands as low as $10 per 
acre. Average value may be safely placed at $15 per acre. 

Financial condition of the county is excellent ; but little bonded debt, 
and taxation very moderate. 

Progress and general advancement of the county has been marked. No 
county in the State, except those immediately around large cities, has 
made such extensive and rapid progress as this one in the last twenty 
years. The past year especially has been one of great prosperity. Prices 
for all kinds of trucking have been good. This fact, together with the 
improved distribution of products through the Produce Exchange, an or- 
ganization managed by the farmers, finds the people generally in a better 
condition than they have been for years, the products of land and sea for 
the county for the past year being safely estimated at two million dol- 
lars. 

Several new lumber mills have been put in operation, a great deal of 
building has been done, and the number of new dwellings is much in ex- 
cess of any recent year. On the sea and bay side, a number of oyster 
shucking houses, employing hundreds of hands, have been built, and are 
in successful operation ; this way of handling oysters having been found 
to be more profitable than shipment in the shell. In the town of Onan- 
cock, new gas works have been established and a block of five large and 



85 

commodious stores on the east side of North street erected, all of which 
are occupied, making that one of the busy centers of the county. 

Accomac, a jiretty village, with an historical coiirt house, is the county 
seat. Its records are very old and interesting. 



ALBEMARLE COUNTY. 

This is one of the big counties of Virginia and one of the oldest. It was 
carved out of Goochland in 1744, and then embraced the large territory 
now included in Albemarle, Amherst, Fluvanna, Nelson and portions of 
Appomattox, all of these having been formed from it since. It is even now 
fifth in area of the 100 Virginia counties, and contains 755 square miles, 
nearly half a million acres, and a population of 28,473, exclusive of the 
city of Charlottesville. Its altitude is 485 feet. 

Albemarle has a most favorable location as to climate and soil, being 
geographically near the center of the State, with its western portion in the 
Blue Ridge region, and its eastern in the Piedmont, reaching into Midland 
Virginia. Its extensive area, being at its greatest length about forty 
miles, and greatest width nearly thirty, gives scope for a diversity of soil 
and some difference in temperature. In the eastern section, the soil is a 
dark, rich red clay, famous for wheat, which has for generations been 
characterized as the red wheat lands of Albemarle. Other paying pro- 
ducts of the soil are corn, grass, oats, tobacco, all of which yield abund- 
antly under the fine tillage, which generally prevails in this county; then 
apples, peaches, pears and grapes are remarkably fine. In fact, the foot- 
hills and slopes of the Blue Ridge, where the soil is lighter and grayish, 
are the natural home of the apple, which reaches its greatest perfection 
here. The Albemarle pippin, of rare flavor and excellent keeping quali- 
ties, which finds a most remunerative market abroad, is grown in abun- 
dance. (It is treated specifically under the head of "Fruits," in the "In- 
troduction" to this work.) Some of the most profitable peach orchards 
in Mrginia are to be found in this county, and in some places almost cover 
the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge from base to summit; the warm ex- 
posure favoring a size and flavor that makes the Albemarle peach popular 
in every market it reaches. Staunton, Charlottesville, Lynchburg, and 
Washington competing vigorously for the trade, which becomes active 
early in the season. 

Nowhere in Virginia does grape culture and wine proauction receive 
more attention than in this favored region, where the grape grows to a 
liigh degree of perfection, and large fruitful vineyards are seen on every 
hand, furnishing through a long season, large shipments to convenient 
city markets, to say nothing of the local demand by town, village and 
rail-car fruit vendors. 

The Monticello Wine Company, located at Charlottesville, makes as 
good claret as is found anywhere, also excellent champagne. Many far- 
mers have their private cellars and make their own wine, and it seems, 
around Charlottesville, to be in almost as general use as in a province of 
France,, while the trade to other home markets reaches an importance that 
surprises the stranger, and competes successfully in the foiiteign market. 
As much as 68,000 gallons of wine has been made in one season by the 
ilonticello Wine Company. 

In as good a grass section as this county is, it is natural that much at- 
tention should be paid to stock raising. Many fine cattle find their way 
to market from the grass fields of Albemarle. As to horses, the finest 
blooded animals are raised, and bring the best prices. This feature of 
the county's resources has of recent years received a new impulse from 
the successful and popular Horse Show organization, which brings to- 



87 

gether annvially a great man}' good horses, and some very superior racers 
and hunters from this and adjoining counties. 

There are good facilities also for dairying, which is becoming more 
profitable every year, and sheep raising is a profitable industry, the long 
woolen breeds doing especially well on the luxuriant grasses of the Pied- 
mont lands, and the finer wool breeds on the more mountainous, in the 
northern part of the county. Every farmer raises his own pork, cures his 
own bacon, and a great deal finds its way to market. 

Few sections have better railroad opportunities, or better avail them- 
selves of them. The Chesapeake and Ohio from west to east, straight 
through the county, the Southern from north to south, intersecting the 
former at Charlottesville, and the James river division of the Chesapeake 
and Ohio running along the southern border, afford, by their competing 
lines, cheapest access for freight and passenger traffic to every available 
market. 

All these superior inducements for immigration and investment have 
been appreciated, as is notably seen, by the settling of a great many men 
of means and enterprise from other States and countries. Fine estates 
have changed hands all over the county, elegant homes have been built, 
spacious ancestral halls have been handsomely remodelled, farms have 
been brouglit into a high degree of cultivation, lands in some sections 
increased in value 100 per cent, and more; a great deal of money has been 
profitably invested, public revenues largely increased, and the whole 
county has advanced wonderfully along the lines of progress and pros- 
perity. 

Among the developments, those of the mineral resources of Albemarle 
have not lagged. Theie are deposits of soapstone, iron, graphite, slate, etc. 
Large soapstone works have been erected at Alberene, reached by a short 
branch of the Southern railroad, and the output in bath tubs, house and 
kitchen utensils, etc., has developed an extensive industry very useful 
to the county. 

The Albemarle Slate Company works profitably a deposit of slate from 
which the best pencils known to the trade, on account of absolute freedom 
from grit, are claimed to be made. 

The Baltimore Graphite Company, located on the Southern, near Bar- 
boursville, manufactures that mineral extensively, which is widely used 
in lubricating material. 

The Charlottesville Woolen Mills, on the Rivanna river, have long ago 
established an enviable reputation for the manufacture of fine cloths. 
They furnish the goods for the U. S. Naval Academy, the Philadelphia 
police uniforms, etc.. and the superiority of their manufacture has brought 
about a constant demand, which results in an ever increasing output. 

The church privileges are all that can be desired, and besides the 130 
public schools, the Miller School — one of the greatest manual labor in- 
stitutions in 'the country, with ample endowment — Pantops Academy, and 
the historical University of Virginia, furnish rare educational advantages. 

Of this famous school, more special mention will be made in referring 
elsewhere among the cities of the Commonwealth to Charlottesville, the 
county seat, and its interesting surroundings. 

Crozet, on the main line of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad, in 
Albemarle county, is located in the centre of one of the most famous fruit 
districts in the country, that of the famous Albemarle pippin, and is the 
largest fruit shipping point in the State, as many as 20,000 barrels of 
apples having already been shipped to all parts of the world this season. 
The neighboring movnitains and valleys are well adapted to the growing 
of peaches, apples, strawberries, cherries and other fruits, and these 
products have taken the grand prizes at the Chicago, St. Louis, Buffalo 
and Jamestown Expositions. The peaches grown here are fully the equal 
of the Georgia peach, and the October peach does not come in competition 
with other Southern peaches, ripening as it does after the others are gone. 



88 

The Virginia blue grass, which is indigenous to this section, makes 
excellent grazing so that the raising of cattle, horses and sheep is made 
very profitable. Grasses and grain crops are the equal of any in the world. 



ALEXANDRIA COUNTY. 

This county embraces one the earliest settled portions of the State. 
As early as 1669 a colonial patent was laid on most of the land now in- 
cluded in the county, and settlements made a few years after. It was 
originally a part of Fairfax county, during which time it was ceded to 
the General Government, and later (in 1846) was receded to Virginia, 
made a separate county, and named after its principal city, Alexandria. 
This county has ever been intimately associated with the name of General 
Washington, the seat of much of his early life and operations, and its 
location has rendered it prominent in many of the thrilling scenes of that 
day, and later. It is ten miles long and five miles wide, located in the 
northeast part of the State, ninety miles north of Richmond. 

The very good hoir.e market at Alexandria City, and its proximity to 
Washington City and Georgetown, render it a very desirable location for 
home-seekers. 

Population of county, census of 1900, 6,430; of C'itj' of Alexandria, 
14,528 — total 20,958, being an increase since census of 1890 of 2,361, for 
county and city. Total males twenty-one years of age and over, county 
and city, 6,036. 

The area of tlie county is the smallest in the State, having 32 square 
miles — 20,480 acres. Average size farms, sixty-five acres. Price of lands, 
$50.00 to $500.00 per acre. 

The advantages are very superior, owing to railroad and water trans- 
portation, and the nearby cities of Washington, Georgetown, and Balti- 
more. 

Climate very pleasant ; in summer, temperate ; in winter, changeable, 
but not severe. 

Soil fertile, especially the bottoms along the streams, and well adapted 
to grain and garden truck. 

It is watered and drained by the Potomac and its tributaries, of which 
Hunting creek, the southern boundary of Alexandria city, is worthy of 
special mention, as a beautiful body of water fifteen or twenty feet in 
depth, and a safe harbor for vessels. 

Farm products are corn, wheat, oats, rye, and potatoes, the latter, both 
sweet and Irish, being a very important and profitable crop to the farmer. 

Fruits and vegetables of all varieties do well, and are raised in great 
abundance. There is no section of the State more highly favored as to a 
market for trucking, dairy and poultry products, and these constitute 
an important and profitable industry to the county. 

The waters abound in water fowl, and fish of choice variety, such as 
bass, rock, shad and herring. 

Timber abounds to a considerable extent, such as white and red oak, 
chestnut and chestnut oak, poplar, maple, cedar, pine and locust. 

Water power consists of Great and Little Falls of Potomac. 

Manufactories are brick, shoes, overalls, boxes, glass and woodwork, 
barytes mills, knitting mills and machine shops. Canning works and fer- 
tilizer factories are remunerative industries. 

Minerals and mineral ^^;aters are, of the former, brownstone, soapstone 
and clay for brickmaking; of the latter, sulphur and iron. 

Water, steam and electric transportation places this county in quick, 
convenient and extensive communication with all sections of the country. 
With the Potomac river as an important water highway, and the railroads 
represented by the Baltimore and Ohio, Southern, Chesapeake and Ohio, 
Pennsylvania,' Seaboard, and Atlantic Coast Line, besides electric lines 
connecting with vMt. Vernon, no section of Virginia has better trans- 
portation facilities. 



89 

Telephone service is good, represented by the Southern Bell and Home. 

Educational advantages consist of quite a number of excellent public 
and private schools, besides the Protestant Episcopal Theological Seminary. 

Churches, mail facilities, water, health and financial conditions reported 
first-class. County and State taxes, $1.50 on $100. 

Arlington, famous as having been the home of the Custis and Lee fami- 
lies, is in this county, a fevp miles above Alexandria. It was purchased 
by the National Government, and a portion of it appropriated to a Na- 
tional cemetery. 

ALLEGHANY COUNTY. 

Alleghany county was formed in 1822 from Bath, Botetourt and Monroe. 
It is situated, in the western part of the State, one hundred and twenty- 
four miles west of Richmond, is twenty-six miles long, with a mean 
breadth of twenty miles^ — area 452 square miles. Altitude 1,295 feet. 

Population of the county, census of 1900, is 16,330, an increase since 
census of 1890 of 7,047. Total males twenty-one years and over, 5,023. 

Climate very healthful and invigorating, and in summer delightful. 

Soil light clay loam, very productive, especially on water courses. Wa- 
tered and drained by the Jackson and Cow Pasture rivers, and other small 
streams, notably Potts and Dunlap creeks, which also furnish very su- 
perior water power. The mountains contain immense quantities of valu- 
able timber, such as oak, hickory, poplar, pine, ash and chestnut, large 
quantities of which are sawed and exported. 

The iron ore deposits of this county are very extensive and valuable, and 
are attracting the attention of capitalists, who have invested largely in 
ore lands and the erection of furnaces; also granite and cement limestone 
have been developed, and hydraulic cement manufactured. 

Game of all kinds is abundant, offering an inviting field for sportsmen. 

Farm products are corn, oats, wheat, fruit and dairying. Stock raising 
is also a very valuable and important indvistry. This county is well sup- 
plied with churches, schools, newspai)ers and railroads, the Chesapeake 
and Ohio railroad traversing the county, connecting with the Warm 
Springs branch of the Chesapeake and Ohio at Covington, in this county. 

No county in the State perhaps can boast of more thrifty growing towns 
in the last decade, notably, Covington, Clifton Forge, and Low Moor. 

Low Moor, on the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad, is a place of considera- 
ble importance. The Low Moor Iron Furnace is located here, producing 
large quantities of iron of superior quality, and giving employment to a 
large number of people. 

Clifton Forge is the most populous town of the county, as shown by cen- 
sus of 1900, and it has shown a marked increase in population since 1890, 
at which time the population was 1,790, while by the last census, 1900, 
it showed a population of 3,212, nearly doubling in the ten years. A large 
increase in population since last census appears also in the case of Cov- 
ington, the county seat, which by census of 1890 was 704, by census of 
1900 it is 2,950, more than quadrupling its population in ten years, a 
remarkable growth that speaks well for the town and county. 

Among the more important industries of this town are the one million 
dollar plant of the West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company, the Covington 
machine shops, and McAllister and Bell's flouring mills. There are also 
excellent systems of water works and of lighting by electricity, and an ice 
manufacturing plant, the large and valuable De Ford Company's tan- 
nery, and the Covington iron furnace of the Low Moor Company. The 
Moffett Brick Plant does a large business and has been instrumental in the 
erection of many substantial and handsome brick residences and business 
houses of the town and county. 

Clifton Forge, as has been before stated, is the largest town in the 
county, and some of its citizens aspire to make it, at an early date, an 
incorporated city, in connection with its handsome suburb, West Clifton, 
as the population of the two towns has reached the necessary 5,000. 



91 

The Chesapeake and Ohio shops, working a large force, are located here; 
also two banks, two newspapers, one a daily, several good churches, a 
handsome and well-equipped railroad Y. M. C. A., a new building for the 
Chesapeake and Ohio railroad offices, and superior hotel accommodations. 
During the last few years an unusual number of large and expensive busi- 
ness blocks and private residences have been built, also a Masonic temple, 
all of which are equipped with steam heat, electric lights and water facili- 
ties, witii which tlie ambitious town is well supplied, There were no fail- 
ures in the town duiing the last year, indicating a healthy fi -ancial con- 
dition. 

Among the other smaller towns of the county are Iron Gate and Long- 
dale, where there is a fine furnace (having been in blast thirty-i've years, 
nor missed a pay dajO > and much activity in business; also t.^ere are, 
besides the mines at the above-named furnaces, actively worked ones at 
Stacks, Rich Patch, and other points. Alleghany has inaugurated a sys- 
tem of road building, by means of which the public roads of the county 
have been much improved, and, in the more thickly settled sections of the 
county especially, there are some excellent public thoroughfares, which 
add greatly to the convenience and prosperity of this progressive people. 



AMELIA COUNTY. 

This county, formed from Prince Geoige in 1734, located in southeast 
central portion of the State on south bank of the Appomattox river, 
twenty-seven miles southwest of Richmond, is thirty miles long and about 
ten miles in width; area, 355 square miles. Its altitude is 361 feet. 

Surface is undulating, lands productive. Soil, chocolate, red clay, and 
gray loam, with clay subsoil; the latter readily improved, and especially 
adapted to wheat, corn, oats and tobacco, which are the principal farm 
products — especially tobacco, of which about 2,000,000 pounds of fine 
quality is produced annually. Potatoes, other vegetables, fruits, and dairy 
products are also important and profitable industries. 

The climate is temperate : winters shoit and mild ; summers pleasant 
without extremes of heat. This county is well watered with freestone 
springs, and wells are to be had at an average depth of thirty feet, besides 
numerous springs and valuable mineral properties. Climate is healthful; 
churches and public schools numerous and convenient. It is drained and 
watered by Appomattox river and its tributaries. The Appomattox, in the 
northern portion of the covmty, is open for navigation to Petersburg. 

The Southern railroad passes through the center of the county, and the 
Xorfolk and Western near the southeastern border. 

Timber is abundant, consisting chiefly of oak, pine, hickory, and wal- 
nut. The lumber trade is of considerable importance ; also bark and su- 
mac are profitable industries. Large and valuable mineral deposits of 
iron, kaolin, soapstone, asbestos, plumbago, and mica are found in this 
county, especially the latter, of which there is said to be a vast amount 
and of fine quality — perfectly clear when split down to required thick- 
ness for merchantable use, 14 x 19 inches in size. Several valuable mica 
mines situated near Amelia Courthouse have been successfully worked, 
producing several hundred thousand pounds of fine sheet mica, besides 
several thousand ten-' of Fcrap and nearly an equal amount of felspar, so 
e.xtensively used in the manufacture of china goods, glazing porcelain 
and common earthenware. Tliere exist, in large amount, a combination of 
soapstone. asbestos, and mica, valuable for stove backs, hearths, etc.; also 
an abimdance of black mica, and in some sections beautiful amethyst of a 
pink and purple hue, some very deep in color. Outcroppings of granite, 
and fine indications of zinc are to be found, and valuable clays exist in 
large quantity. It is the opinion of a competent mining engineer, who has 
visited this section, that if a thorough inspection was made of these vari- 
ous interests, and sufficient capital invested to properly develop them, they 
would prove of great value to the company working them and to the county 
as well. 



92 

There are two tobacco factories, several roller and grist mills, and a 
number of lumber mills. 

Population of the county, census of 1900, is 9,037. Xumber of males 
twenty-one years and over is 2,009. 

Amelia Courthouse, the county seat, is situated near the center of the 
county, thirty-six miles from Richmond, on the Southern railroad, and 
has a population of about 300, one newspaper, one public school, several 
churches, seveh stores, and a steam flouring mill. Jetersville, another 
village on the Southern railway, forty-three miles from Richmond, has 
four stores and other branches of business, and is a thriving place. These- 
are the largest villages in the county. 



AMHERST COUNTY. 

Amherst county, a daughter of Albemarle, was made a separate county 
in 1761. James river skirts its whole southeast and southwest boundary 
for 50 miles, furnishing with Pedlar and Buffalo rivers, an extent of broad 
and fertile bottom lands, of which few counties in the State can boast. 
The altitude is 629 feet. The coimty has a length of twenty-two miles, and 
a mean width of nineteen, while its area is 464 square miles, and its popu- 
lation, by the census of 1900, 17.864. being a gain since the previous census 
of 313, of which the whites number 9,923^ and the colored 7,628. The pro- 
portion of colored inhabitants has decreased considerably in the last few 
years, and the white farmers are depending largely more on their own 
labor, which is more reliable and efficient. 

The crops raised are principally tobacco, corn, and wheat; while the 
soil and climate are well adapted to oats and grass, but tobacco may be 
regarded as the principal money crop, and is of fine weight and texture, 
the farmers realizing at this time good prices, higher than of late years. 
The red lands along the valleys of the Blue Ridge and Tobacco Row moun 
tains are very line, easily cultivated and retentive of farm manures, pro- 
ducing finely clover, timothy, and orchard grass, following tobacco and 
wheat. 

While Amherst is among the leading agricultural counties in tjie State, 
it is rapidly advancing to the front as a fruit section, yielding that popu- 
lar variety,' the winesap. abundantly, and the celebrated Albemarle pippin 
succeeds admirably. The eastern slopes of the mountains are favorable 
to the culture of grapes, the vine flourishing and yielding kindly to proper 
culture. 

Timber is oak. hickory, pine, walnut, chestnut, and locust, principally, 
much of the best of it being converted profitably into lumber, for there 
are some good sawmills which are by no means idle, and transportation 
facilities by means of the Southern, the Chesapeake and Ohio, and the 
Xorfolk and Western railroads are easy and quick to Lynchburg, Rich- 
mond, Danville, Washington and convenient eastern and southern cities. 
Lynchburg, one of the principal manufacturing cities in the State, pre- 
sents a fine market right at the door, as the county and city are connected 
by a good free bridge over James river. 

' The county contains immense and valuable outputs of minerals, such 
as magnetic and specular iron, well suited for the manufacture of steel by 
the Bessemer process. Brown hematite iron ores are also in great abun- 
dance, and so situated as to be cheaply mined. These ores are found near 
by or in contact with limestone, and there are not a few of these iron 
mines now being profitably worked. 

Besides the minerals named, there are copper, which has been mined, 
slate, plumbago, pyrite, ochre, and steatite, found in the county. The 
Blue Ridge, on the'^northwest, protects the county from the cold northers, 
and guarantees for man and beast moderate winters, while the absence of 
severe heat in summer insures a pleasant average climate all the year 
round. 



93 

There is considerable grazing of cattle on the indigenous grass of the 
mountains by sto.ckmen who buy elsewhere and bring them to this section, 
where they can be' cheaply kept. This is quite a business in Amherst. 

The manly sport of fox hunting is indulged in greatly to the delight 
of the young people of Amherst, and there are some as fine mounts as can 
be found, while game in many parts of the county, such as deer, bear, 
wildcats, squirrels, hares, wild turkeys, partridges and pheasants abound. 
Church and school privileges are not neglected. In fact, one of the finest 
equipped Female Seminaries in the South, known as Sweet Briar Insti- 
tute, is located on a grand old estate' two miles from Amherst Courthouse 
and twelve from Lynchburg, on the Southern railroad. It is the result of 
an endowment of $800,000 in money and land, and was opened in the fall of 
1906 and has brilliant prospects of success. 

Amherst, the county seat, is a pleasant little town on the Southern 
railway, fourteen miles from Lynchburg. It has two weekly newspapers, 
a bank, six stores, and some very desirable family residences. 



APPOMATTOX COUNTY. 

This historic covmty of Appomattox was formed, in 1845, from the 
neighboring counties of Buckingham, Campbell, Prince Edward, and Char- 
lotte. It is about 65 miles air-line, 100 miles by rail, west from Rich- 
mond; 26 miles long and 18 miles wide, with an area of 342 square miles, 
and a population, by the last U. S. census, of 9,662. The county is well 
watered by the James river, forming its northwestern boundary^ and its 
tributaries; by the Appomattox and its tributaries, and by some of the 
tributaries of Staunton river. Its average altitude is 825 feet. 

The surface of the county is generally rolling, and even hilly in many 
portions, though there is a large proportion of bottom land along the 
rivers and creeks, which water the county well, and furnish ample water 
power that is utilized to a considerable extent by several good grist and 
sawmills, though there is much of the finest power undeveloped as yet. 

The soil is varied, consisting largely of a stift' red clay, easily improved, 
responding well to the use of fertilizers and prudent cultivation, similar 
in character to the famous red wheat lands of Albemarle, and producing 
that grain well, when properly treated. There is also much gray, light 
and friable slate soil, and the bottoms are rich and productive. Lands 
can be bought here now much more reasonably than in some other sec- 
tions of the State, where they are naturally no better, or even as good. 
There are no large towns, eight-tenths of the population living in the 
country, so that Appomattox is strictly an agricultural county. 

Gradually, ever since the war, the negroes, which were in the proportion 
of about 7,000 colored to 5,000 white, in 1870, have drifted away, till in 
1900 the census showed 3,931 negroes and 5,731 whites. Accompanying 
this exodus of the negro there has been a corresponding increase in the 
assessed value of property and the price of lands, and during the last five 
years, from 1900 to 1905, the assessed value of real estate and personalty 
has increased $173,000. Land which sold in 1900 at $6.00 per acre is now 
held with oft'ers at $12.00 refused. 

The Bank of Appomattox, at the county seat, which showed a deposit 
in 1901 of $16,800; reported August, 1905, $70,205. There is also a pros- 
perous bank at Pamplin, and a large new tobacco warehouse. 

Steady farm labor is badly needed, and trained white immigrants from 
agricultural sections abroad, both male and female, will find ready em- 
ployment among the landowners in any section of the county. Tobacco 
is the principal crop, and grass and hay are very profitable. Oak, 
hickory, walnut, chestnut and maple timber is abundant and being profit- 
ably worked up. 

The educational and religious facilities are ample, being furnished by 
a number of good schools and prosperous churches. 



95 

Tlie principal towns are Pamplin and West Appomattox, each having a 
population of from 500 to 600. Pamplin is widely known on account of 
its manufacture of clay pipes, many styles of which are made at the large 
factory here, said to be the largest clay pipe factory in the world, from 
which pipes are shipped bj' the carload all over the cmintry. 

West Appomattox, the county seat, bordering on the Norfolk and West- 
ern railroad about twenty-five miles from Lynchburg and thirty-five from 
Farmville, is a prosperous new town, with fine new courthouse, jail and 
offices, two live ncAvspapers, bank, three good hotels, ten stores and hand- 
some residences. 

Three miles northeast is Old Appomattox Courthouse, known locally as 
"The Surrender Ground," where General R. E. Lee surrendered April 9, 
1865, the depleted remnant of the Confederate Army to the overwhelming 
l^'ederal forces undei' General Grant, thus making this one of the most 
famous spots in the country, ranking with Yorktown, where Cornwallis 
surrendered to Washington, 19th October, 178L 

The Federal authorities have added greatly to the attractiveness of the 
Surrender Ground, which embraces several hundred acres, by placing en- 
during metal tablets at various notable points, sueli as Lee"s headquarters. 
Grant's headquaiters, the traditional apple tree, the place where the old 
-McLean house, in which the surrender took place, stood, now a ruin as 
well as most of the houses in the old village. The Confederates have also 
]ilaced on the grounds two handsome monuments, one by Virginians, the 
other by North Carolinians, and an effort is being made to have Congress 
establish a National Park here, which will perhaps ultimately be accom- 
plished. 



AUGUSTA COUNTY. 

Augusta was formed from Orange in 1738. and ranks among the first 
of the counties in the great Shenandoah valley and of the State in im- 
portance and first in area. It is situated near the head of the Shenandoah 
valley, in the southwestern ])art of the State. 120 miles northwest of Rich- 
mond, and is the largest county in the State, being thirty-five miles long 
and thirty miles wide, containing an area of 1.012 square miles. Average 
size farms. 175 acres. The apgiegate value of its real estate exceeds any 
other county in the State. Altitude 1,380 feet at Staiuiton. 

The eastern and western sections of the county are uneven and moun- 
tainous, central portion undulating. The lands are varied in character, 
very fertile and productive: yielding large crops of corn, oats, wheat, rye 
and the grasses — natural and cultivated. This county ranks at the head 
of the list of comities of the State in the production of wheat, hay and 
oats, yielding over one-half million bushels of wheat, and 25,000 tons of 
hay. It is also noted for the number and superior quality of its flouring 
mills, one of which has a capacity of 500 barrels per day. 

Stock raising is also one of its most profitable and important industries, 
its movmtain ranges affording excellent pasturage, and its abundant hay 
crop available for winter feed. 

Under such favorable conditions, this county has become noted for its 
fine horses, cattle, and sheep, and its abundance of dairy products. 

Water supply is from spi'ings and wells of excellent quality, also numer- 
ous mineral springs, noted for tlieir valuable medicinal qualities, that at- 
tract a large number of visitors from this and other States. The chief 
water courses of the county are the North, South, and Middle rivers, 
which, uniting, form the Shenandoah river. These streams afford fine 
water power, upon which are located numerous flouring mills, sawmills 
and Avood works. 

Timber aboimds in large quantities, from which a fine I'evenue is de- 
rived. Principal varieties : Oak, hickory, walnut, ash, poplar, pine, chest- 
nut, locust, etc. Minerals are numerous, consisting of iron, manganese, 
coal, kaolin, slate, marble and limestone, much of which has been devel- 



97 

oped The Crimora Manganese Mines Co. have sold over $1,000,000 of 
their output, and are working to advantage. Some of the most noted 
natural curiosities of the State are to be foimd in this county such as 
VVevers Cave of Fountains, the Cyclopean Towers or Natural Chimneys; 
and Elliott Knob of the North mountains, 4.437 feet high, ranks among 
the highest points in Virginia. Churches and schools are of unusual num- 
ber and convenience. No section in the State is more highly favored in 
this respect. The population of the county, including Staunton, was, by 
the census of 1900, 39,785. Increase since census of 1890, 4,635. Number 
of males twenty-one years and over, 10,044. , . ,, ^v , 

The county is well supplied with railroads, embracing the Chesapeake 
and Ohio, the Chesapeake and Western, the Norfolk and Western and the 
Baltimore and Ohio; the first two traversing the county from east to 
west and the others from north to south, intersecting the Chesapeake and 
Ohio at Staunton, and at Basic City, twelve miles apart. The Valley pike, 
a well-kept macadam road between Staunton and Winchester, ninety miles 
is equal to any road in Virginia. Staunton, the county seat, is the most 
important city of the Shenandoah Valley. (See Virginia cities.) 

Waynesboro, the largest town, is beautifully and eligibly situated on the 
south branch of the Shenandoah river, half mile from the junction of the 
Chesapeake and Ohio and Norfolk and Western railroads It is an im- 
portant business center for one of the richest sections of the county, hav- 
ino- an excellent bank, several prosperous manufactories, a large tlouring 
mfll, and some of the largest stores in the county. It has large and pros- 
perous Presbyterian. Baptist and Methodist churches, and the best of 
schools, embracing the Fishburne Military Academy, the Valley Female 
Seminary and a well-conducted graded public school. Basic city, a good 
new town of Augusta county, half mile from Waynesboro, on the opposite 
side of the South Branch river, is the important junction of the Cliesa- 
peake and Ohio and Norfolk and Western railroads, and has also a bank, 
several churches, a graded public school and several growing factories. 
Thei-e are also in the county several prosperous villages, such as Craigs- 
ville, on the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad; Fordwick, the seat of the 
larcre Portland Cement Works; Greenville, Middlebrook, Mt. Solon, Mt. 
Meridian, Mt. Sidney, Stuart's Draft, and others, interspersed among the 
rich and prosperous sections of the county. These towns are all well pro- 
vided with telephones— in fact, no county in the State has a better te e- 
phone system, which reaches every village and farming community in the 
«ountv. A companv with $250,000 capital has been organized to build 
and operate an electric road to run from Staunton to Newport eighteen 
miles, which will add greatly to the transportation facilities of the county. 
There is also a good macadam pike from Staunton to and beyond JNew- 
port, passing through a fine section of the county, which greatly enhances 
•the value of farming lands along its route. 

BATH COUNTY. 

This county, located on the western border of the State, 120 miles north- 
w^est of Richmond, was organized in 1790 from parts of Augusta Bote- 
tourt, and Greenbrier counties. Eleven hours by Chesapeake and Ohio 
railroad from Cincinnati, six and one-half hours by rai\ from Washing- 
ton D. C, and Richmond, Virginia. Its mean altitude is 2 19o feet. _ 

Its people are originally Scotch-Irish, having come from_ Pennsylvania 
-to this section, beginning about 1740. Contains a population by census 
of 1900 of 5 595. Increase since census of 1890, 1,008. Males twenty- 
one years of aae and over, 1,481. Area of county, 548 square miles. 

Portion of the county is mountainous; balance rich bottom lands, very 
fertile, though small in area. Well watered by its numerous springs, and 
Cow Pasture and Jackson rivers. 



99 

The climate and scenery are unsurpassed. Reference to the Weather 
Bureau reports of the United States show this county to possess a very 
equable temperature of neither very great extremes of heat or cold, and 
ample rainfall, well distributed. 

In no part of the world, as shown by statistics, is there a more general 
state of good health, or a more long-lived, vigorous people, and in no 
country in the temperate zone do the inhabitants, from choice, stay more 
in the open air and open their houses to the weather. 

This summary is strengthened by the fact that the large hotel at the 
Virginia Hot Springs in this county is kept open the year round as a 
health resort, and has a goodly numlier of guests the entire year. 

Bath county has long been famous for its numerous mineral springs, 
to som.e of which invalids have resorted since the beginning of the last 
century. The Warm Springs were known for their curative properties 
as early as 1750. 

The most widely known are the Warm Springs, the county seat; the Hot 
Springs, five miles south of the Warm Springs ; Healing Springs, eight 
miles south of Warm Springs; Bath Alum, five miles east of the Warm 
Springs; Milboro Springs, twelve miles east of the Warm Springs, and 
two miles distant from Milboro depot; Walla-watoola, one mile south of 
Milboro Springs, and Bolar Springs, seventeen miles north of Warm 
Springs. Great numbers of visitors resort to these springs in the summer- 
time and to the Virginia Hot Springs all the year round, bringing into 
the county and distributing much ready money for supplies. 

The Hot, Warm and Healing Springs are reached by the twenty-five mile 
branch road from Covington, on the main line of the Chesapeake and 
Ohio railroad, and they are constantly constructing buildings to meet the 
increased patronage of the place. 

Blowing Cave, of this county, is worthy of note as one of the great 
natural curiosities of the State. 

The industries of the county are mainly farming, grazing, tanbark and 
lumber business. Principal products are hay, corn, wheat and oats. 

Fruit culture is also important and profitable in this county, embrac- 
ing apples, peaches, pears, plums, cherries, grapes and berries, all of which 
produce fine crops and find a ready home market at good prices. Large 
apple and peach orchards abound, of increasing size and number. 

Grazing facilities are unexcelled. Most of the lands take naturally to 
grass ; all you have to do in most sections to obtain a sod is to cut off the 
timber, let in the sunshine, and the grasses spring up without further 
attention, and in the woods there is a rich growth of wild grasses and 
other wild growth, on which cattle and sheep do well for six months in 
the year. When they come from the mountain ranges, as they are called, 
without any cost, other than the salting of them, they are fat and ready 
for the markets. 

Under these favorable conditions the raising of cattle, sheep and hogs 
is one of the principal industries of the countj?, and one of the most 
profitable. 

• Washington, Richmond, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York, in a 
few hours' run, are excellent markets for the sale of stock. 

Timber is abundant, except on the main line of the Chesapeake and Ohio 
railroad, where it has been culled out. There are large and valuable 
bodies of pine, oak, poplar and hickory timber, and some walnut, locust 
and cherry ; scarcely a section of the county but has one or more steam 
sawmills in operation, and some equipped with planing machinery. 

For some years the shipping of tanbark has been an important indus- 
"try, and the volume of business in that line is on the increase. 

A variety of minerals is to be found, such as iron, manganese, coal and 
marble; but iron is of most extent and interest, the others as yet unde- 
veloped. The development of the mineral interests of the county is des- 
tined to be an important factor in its growth and progress. 



100 

Water power is excellent, affording many opportunities for the. estab- 
lishment of manufactories, etc. Streams are well stocked with trout and 
bass. 

The county has a special recommendation in that its public roads are 
good, well built and well kept. 

Railroad transportation is ample, consisting of the main line of the 
Chesapeake and Ohio, which traverses the eastern part of the county, with 
branch lines 'extending into other portions. 

Telephone service is good; local lines cross the county in two directions, 
giving good service to most important places. These connect with lines 
into all adjoining counties. Southern Bell Telephone to Hot Springs gives 
all long-distance connections. The free school system is kept to a high 
standard of excellence, and, in addition, there are good private boarding 
schools. 

The churches are Presbyterian, Eisiscopal, Methodist, Baptist, Dunkard 
and Catholic. These have houses of worship at convenient points through- 
out most of the county. 

Progress and general advancement of county most encouraging in every 
respect. Financial condition, splendid ; two good banks ; water and health 
excellent. 

Property, real and personal, is valued at what it would bring at a forced 
sale for cash, and the tax rate for all purposes, including State, county 
and district purposes of all kinds, averages about $1.00 on the one hun- 
dred dollars' worth of property. 

Warm Springs, the county seat, is located in the central part of the 
county. The courthouse, jail and county offices are here near by the 
famous springs, constituting an attractive village, which is delightfully 
situated in the richest and most fertile part of the Warm Springs valley. 



BEDFOBD COUNTY. 

The county was formed in 1753 from Lunenburg, and lies at the 
eastern base of the Blue Ridge mountains, in the southwest central part 
of the State, 100 miles southwest of Richmond. It is one of the largest 
counties of the State, being forty miles long and about thirty miles wide, 
containing an area of 729 square miles. Its average altitude is 900 feet. 

Surface is broken, and, in western portion, mountainous, but very pro- 
ductive, and well watered by springs, brooks and creeks, with Otter river 
in center, and the James and Staunton rivers on northeast -and south- 
west borders. 

Climate is mild and healthful, attracting large numbers of visitors 
from the South, who spend their summers at the various hotels and sum- 
mer boarding houses that are open each season for the accommodation of 
guests. This is one of the richest, and most productive and thickly settled 
counties in the James River valley, containing a population, census of 
1900, of 30,356. Number of males twenty-one years and over, 6,809. 

The soil is red clay and light gray, or slate, producing abundant crops 
of wheat, corn, rye, oats and tobacco, average yield of which is about 
fifteen bushels of wheat, twenty-five bushels of corn, twenty bushels rye, 
twenty-five bushels oats, and 'l,000 to 1,500 poimds tobacco per acre. 
The latter is probably the most profitable industry of the county. Fruit 
is also worthy of special mention, and this county may be very properly 
classed as one of the five fruit coimties of the State, the mountainous por- 
tions of which are especially adapted to fruit of all kinds, and in this 
section blue grass is indigenous, affording most excellent grazing facilities. 
The dairy interest is also of considerable importance and profit to this, 
section. 

This county contains many diversified industries, notably, flouring and 
saw mills of large capacity. Churches and schools are numerous and 
convenient. 



101 

The railroads are the Chesapeake and Ohio, extending along the south 
branch of the James river, and the Norfolk and Western through its 
middle part, from east to west, furnishing transportation to the markets 
north and south. 

Minerals numerous, and of superior quality, such as iron, zinc, asbestos, 
kaolin, silver, barytes, mica, slate, lead, and limestone. 

Timber is extensive and valuable, embracing walnut, chestnut, hickory, 
pine, poplar, locust and oak. 

Game is abundant. Wild animals are bear, deer, fox, otter, beaver, 
mink, weasel, raccoon, opossum and squirrel; wild fowls — turkey, goose, 
duck, crane, sniiae, woodcock, pheasant and partridge. 

The celebrated Peaks of Otter, noted for their sublime, picturesque 
scenery, are situated in this county, a few miles from Bedford City, the 
county seat. They have an altitude of 4,001 feet above sea level, and 
can be seen, under favorable conditions of atmosphere, from beyond Lynch- 
burg, fifty-five miles distant. 

Bedford City, the county seat, on the Norfolk and Western railroad, is 
located near the center of the county, and surrounded by a beautiful, 
pictiiresque section of country. It contains a number of tobacco factories, 
several warehouses, woolen and spoke factories, flouring and planing mills 
and machine shops, besides numerous churches, newspapers, schools — pub- 
lic and private, including the Randolph-Macon Academy^-banks, water 
works, and plant for electric lights. Population by census of 1900, 2,416. 

The past few years have been marked by the greatest industrial devel- 
opment and building activity in this town. A new bank has been estab- 
lished, new industries inaugurated, and more residences erected than dur- 
ing the entire preceding ten years. The postal receipts were the largest 
in the experience of the office. 

The banking business is reported the largest since the fictitious days of 
1890. The Lynchburg Trust and Savings Bank has built one of the most 
attractive bank buildings in the State. 

The export tobacco business is assuming considerable proportions, and 
the receipts for the new tobacco year will, it is thought, be between 4,000,- 
000 and 5,000,000 pounds. 

A very successful cigar factory has been added; an ice factory, a large 
carriage factory, stores and storage houses have been erected. But the 
new industry pregnant, perhaps, with the largest possibilities, is the 
establishment of the Frazer Paint Works. This is both elastic and water 
proof, properties possessed by no other kno\\ai pigment found in this 
county. The company developing it began with a cash capital of $60,000, 
but men of wealth are behind the enterprise. 

The asbestos mines south of Bedford City have been purchased by Penn- 
sylvania capitalists. 

Many new residences have been built, and there is not a vacant house 
in the town for rent. The price of real estate has advanced materially, 
especially in the business section. 



BLAND COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1861 from Wythe. Giles and Tazewell, and 13 
located in southwestern part of the State, 195 southwest of Richmond. 
Population, census of 1900, 5,497. Increase since census of 1890, 368. 
Number of males twenty-one years and over, 1,231. 

It contains an area of 352 square miles. Surface is broken and moun- 
tainous to a considerable extent. Portions of the latter are very valuable 
for grazing purposes, and the valley lands are very rich. 

Soil black loam and reddish clay, very productive and well adapted 
to the usual farm products of this section, such as corn, rye, oats, wheat, 
buckwheat, potatoes and the grasses, especially blue grass, which is indig- 



103 

enous to this section, and, in consequence, stock raising has become the 
most profitably industry of the county, especially cattle and sheep, large 
numbers of wnich are of fine quality and are shipped annually to the 
markets, or sold to the dealers who come into the county to buy. This 
county is also well adapted to fruits of all kinds, that grow to great 
perfection. 

The timbers of this county are walnut, poplar, pine, oak, ash, hemlock, 
sugar tree, hickory and beech, and abound in large quantities of excep- 
tionally fine quality. This is destined to be a valuable industry in the 
county when reached by railroads, which would also develop the valuable 
mineral deposits of this section, consisting of iron, coal, lead, zinc, copper, 
manganese, slate, kaolin, ochre, barytes, and slate. Coal is also found 
and mined. 

Mineral springs are numerous and of fine medicinal quality. Some have 
been improved and opened to summer visitors, notably Sharon Springs, 
which is a delightful resort 2,850 feet above sea level, with a climate unex- 
celled, dry and exhilarating, and an abundance of clear, pure water — 
limestone and freestone. No more healthful section of country is to be 
found, and it is an Eldorado for the sportsman, with its abundance of 
game and streams abounding with fish, embracing the noted mountain 
trout. The water courses of the county are Walker's and Wolf creeks, 
and other smaller streams, which afford unlimited water power, and of 
a high order, as to fall and location for development. The nearest rail- 
road station at present is Wytheville, twenty miles distant from the 
county seat, on the Norfolk and Western railroad, but a new line of rail- 
road is being built up Wolf creek, in the northern section of the county, 
which will develop many industries in that portion of the county, and 
eventually be extended to embrace a much larger portion of the county. 
Telephone service and mail facilities are good, with daily mail and phone 
service to all parts of the county. General conditions in this county are 
highly favorable, with a sober and industrious population. Schools and 
churches are numerous and convenient. Financial conditions are good, 
with a very flattering outlook for future progress and advancement. 

Seddon, the count}' seat, located near the center of the county, has a 
flouring mill, high school, newspaper, two churches, and a population, by 
census of 1900, of 249. It is centrally and conveniently located, with good 
turnpike roads diverging north, south, east and west. 



BOTETOURT COUNTY. 

Botetourt county, named in honor of Lord Botetourt, Governor of the 
Colony in 1768, was formed in 1770 from Augusta, extending at the time 
of formation to the Mississippi river. Its present limits are forty-four 
miles long and eighteen miles wide, situated between the Blue Ridge and 
Alleghany mountains, in the western part of the State, 115 miles west of 
Richmond. Altitude, 1,250 feet. It contains a population, by census of 
1900, of 17,161. Increase since census of 1890, 2,307. Number of males 
twenty-one years and over, 4,010. 

Area, 548 square miles; surface rolling, partly moimtainous; central 
portion a beautiful valley, very fertile; soil loam, with clay subsoil, well 
adapted to the production of grain, grasses, tobacco, fruits, etc.; the 
mountain ranges affording excellent pasturage for horses, cattle and sheep, 
of which superior breeds are raised. The fine blue grass sod, to which 
the land rvms naturally, renders dairying an important industry. To- 
bacco is also produced to some extent, and of superior quality, but fruit 
and vegetable culture, to which this county is- especially adapted, is 
probably its most important and profitable industry, bringing to the county • 
large revenues. 

It is a notable fact that Botetourt has more canneries than any other 
county in the State, numbering about 75, and even stands near the head 



104 

of the list in tlie United States in that industrj^, tomatoes being tlie chief 
product. So great was the demand for cans liere, that in 1903 the Vir- 
ginia Can Company was organized at Buchanan — by Mr. O. C. Huffman, 
of Staunton, Virginia, its head ever since — which succeeded from the out- 
set, making and selling 2,250,000 cans that j'ear, the second year over 
7,000,000, and in 1905 nearly 10,000,000 tin cans. This immense product 
of home enterprise goes in carload lots to North Carolina, Georgia and 
Tennessee, and other Southern States, and to the far West. A well-equipped 
box-making plant, which furnishes cases in which much of the output is 
shipped, has been recently added to the establishment, and the orders for 
this year indicate a larger business than ever before. Peaches, corn, 
apples and berries are also large products of the Botetourt canneries, the 
total amount of canned goods reaching the enormous figure of 100,000 
cases annually. 

Railroads are the Chesapeake and Ohio, and Norfolk and Western, with 
their branches, which extend through the length and breadth of the county, 
furnishing easy and ready access to all principal markets. 

Rivers are the James and its numerous tributaries, also Cow Pasture 
and Jackson rivers, which afford superior water power. 

Manufactories are numerous, embracing stave mills, planing mills, foun- 
dry and shops, iron furnaces, tanneries, woolen mills, large lime plants, 
and flour and sawmills of large capacity. There are eight sawmills in 
Botetourt, and large quantities of poplar, oak and chestnut lumber are 
sawed. Timbers are poplar, walnut, oak, ash, pine, hickory, maple and 
chestnut. 

Minerals are iron, coal, manganese, barytes and marble, the most exten- 
sive and valuable of which is iron, which exists in immense quantities. 
Mineral waters are lithia, sulphur, ferro-magnesia and alum, at which 
springs pleasant summer resorts are established, attracting numerous 
visitors. 

Trucking is a growing 'and important' industry, furnishing the markets 
of Roanoke, Clifton, Covington, etc. 

The streams abound with fish of various kinds, such as bass, carp, 
mountain trout, suckers, pike, etc. 

Game found in the county are deer, fox, squirrel, hare, mink, beaver, 
otter, muskrat, weasel, wildcat, and opossum. 

Wild fowls are wild turkey, pheasant, partridge and woodcock, birds, 
hawks, owls, crows, robins, snipe, blackbird, thrush, lark, wren and dove. 

Climate mild and temperate — no extremes of heat or cold. 

Health is good, and water abundant and pure — limestone and freestone. 

Churches and mail facilities first-class ; churches in all portions of the 
county, and daily mail to every postoffice. 

Educational advantages are of a high order, embracing numerous free 
schools and several graded schools. Hollins Institute is a large female 
school of wide reputation. 

Telephone service excellent. Three lines through the county furnish 
local and long-distance service to all sections. 

Market advantages are very good, there being quick and easy access to 
all markets, north, east, south and west. 

The people are sober, industrious and progressive, and their financial 
condition highly favorable. 

Principal towns are Fincastle and Buchanan. 

Fincastle, the county seat, has a population of 652, daily mails, tele- 
graph and express communications, several churches and public schools, 
newspaper, bank, woolen mill, canning factory, foundry, planing mill, 
tannery, harness shops, machine shops, and spoke, stave and handle 
factory. 

Buchanan, on the James, and the section of which it is the business 
center, has shown marked progress during the past year. A most impor- 
tant event in the history of the town has been the completion of a water 



105 

works system, by which an ample supply of pure mountain spring water 
is brought into the town, sufficient (besides meeting the needs of the 
town) to supply power to small industries. 

The establishment of an excellent high school, with an able corps of 
teachers, is also a recent event of importance, and the large increase in 
the business of the bank at this place may be taken as a fair index of the 
business conditions of the town and community. 

Population of Buchanan, census of 1900, is 716. It has a good news- 
paper. 



BRUNSWICK COUNTY. 

This county was fornted in 1721 from Isle of Wight, and Surry coun- 
ties, and is situated in southeast central part of State, bordering on North 
Carolina, about seventy miles south of Richmond. 

In shape it is nearly square, containing an area of 529 square miles. 
Average size of farms, 165 acres; range of prices, $2 to $10 per acre. 

About thirty per cent, of total area is inider cultivation ; surface tuidu- 
lating, soil rich, sandy loam, easily worked, and very productive. Staple 
crops are wheat, corn, cotton, tobacco and peanuts, most profitable of 
which are cotton and tobacco, ranking third of the counties of the State 
in the production of cotton, producing annually about 3,000 bales, and of 
tobacco, over one-half million pounds of superior quality, principally for 
export. Vegetables, fruits and melons grow to great perfection and in 
abundance. 

Dairy interests and stock raising are also imjiortant industries. Tim- 
bers are poplar, oak, pine, hickory, birch, maple, gum, etc., and are abun- 
dant, giving employment to numerous sawmills, and offering inducements 
for other industries in that line. 

Rivers are the Nottoway, Meherrin, and their tributaries. 

The Atlantic and Danville railroad gives communication with Norfolk 
and Danville. 

Population, census of 1900, 18,217; increase since census of 1890, 972. 
Number of males twenty-one years and over, 4,010. 

Climate is mild and healthful, w^ater excellent and abundant. 

Forty churches of different denominations in all sections of the county. 

Schools are numerous, and in prosperous condition. 

Mail facilities convenient and extensive, meeting the necessity of every 
section. 

Wild animals are deer, beaver, otter, fox, raccoon, opossum, mink, 
muskrat, sqviirrel and hare. Wild fowls are turkeys, pheasants, ducks, 
partridge and woodcock. 

County seat, Lawrenceville, on Atlantic and Danville railroad, contains 
railroad shops, bank, college, public school, several churches, and a news- 
paper, The Gazette, WeeJcly. 

Population, census of 1900, 760. Increase since census of 1890, 455. 

The lands in this county are cheaper than in most sections of the State 
of equal fertilitj^ and accessibility, and, so far, no minerals have been dis- 
covered. 



BUCHANAN COUNTY. 

This county, formed in 1858 from Russell and Tazewell, and named in 
honor of President Buchanan, is located in Southwest Virginia, and is 
one of the extreme border counties of the State, 250 miles southwest of 
Richmond. Area 492 square miles, 639,262 acres. Average size farms, 
236 acres. Lands are low, but have a speculative interest on account of 
immense mineral deposits. 



106 

Surface is rugged and mountainous. Comparatively little of the laud 
is under cultivation, balance in timber. Soil is of a sandy nature, and 
fertile. 

Farm products are corn, wheat rye, oats, millet, tobacco, potatoes, 
buckwheat, hay and sorghumi. Wheat is well adapted to this section, and 
is receiving special attention. Stock raising and dairying are also sources 
of some reven,ue. Fruits of all kinds, especially grapes, do well, but are 
only grown sufl^iciently for home consumption. 

The great importance attached to this county is its vast wealth of iron, 
coal and timber, which is attracting capital, and a large influx of popu- 
lation. Bituminous coal of fine quality and large quantity, is found in 
veins from five to eleven feet in thickness. Timber of the usual kinds — 
but the most valuable of which is oak, poplar, ash and walnut — abounds 
in large area, and superior quality to any county in the State, perhaps, 
the getting out and rafting of which to Cincinnati and other points by 
the Big Sandy river, a branch of the Ohio, and its manufacture in the 
county by a number of extensive plants, afford employment to the largest 
number of people, and is a source of greatest revenue to the county and 
its inhabitants. 

Reference to the various lumber plants operating in this county will 
convey an idea of the extent of this valuable industry. 

The Yellow Poplar Lumber Company, of Grundy, have a tramroad ex- 
tending twenty-five miles up Slate creek, and with two locomotives bring 
out daily one hundred logs, which average forty-five cubic feet to the log. 
North of Grundy, on Knox creek, W. M. Ritter Lumber Company have 
two large band mills in operation, which cut from 50,000 to 80.000 feet 
per day. They also have a tramroad with steel rail from O'Keefe, West 
Virginia, on Tug river, extending up Knox creek, upon which they operate 
six mountain locomotives. South of Grundy, T. Fugate & Company, 
Shafl'er Brothers, and Pitzer & Lindsey do a very large lumber busi- 
ness; also Vensant, Kitchen & Company, on Dismal creek, besides nu- 
merous smaller mills. 

Rivers are Louisa, Russell and New Garden, forks of Big Sandy river. 
Large quantities of timber are rafted on Louisa river to Catlettsburg, 
Kentucky, C incinnati. Ohio, and other points, and these streams also 
aflford excellent water power, if utilized. Nearest railroad is the Clinch 
Valley branch of the Norfolk and Western railroad, in Tazewell county, 
near the border. 

Mineral waters are found to some extent, the most important of whic'i 
are the Healing Springs. 

Educational advantages consist of the usual county free schools. 

As to churches, mail facilities, financial condition, progress, and general 
advancement, the conditions of this county are fairly favorable, and 
rapidly improving. 

The climate, owing to elevation, is moist and cool. The weather sta- 
tion at Freeling (near by) reports the average temperature 52.4 degrees; 
rainfall, 60.1. 

Total population of the county, census of 1900, is 9,692. Increase since 
census of 1890 is 3,825. Number of males twenty-one years and over, 
1,958. 

Grundy, the county seat, situated near center of the county, has a popu- 
lation of 200, several churches, mills and factories, public school, a news- 
paper, etc. Its nearest railroad station is Richlands, on Clinch Valley 
railroad, distant about twenty-five miles. 



BUCKINGHAM COUNTY. 

Buckingham county is located in the central part of the State, on south 
side of James fiver, about half way between Richmond and Lynchburg. 



107 

and distant from each about fifty miles. It is thirty-five miles long and 
twenty-four miles wide; altitude, 550 feet. 

It was originally a portion of Albemarle county, from which it was 
detached and formed into a county in the year 1761, containing an area 
of 552 square miles. 

Surface is generally level, with large quantity of bottom land on the 
rivers, but rolling and hilly in some parts. 

Soil is a gray and black loam, with red clay subsoil, which produces 
abundantly when brought to a high state of cultivation. There is a strip 
of black land from four to six miles wide extending across the western 
portion of the county, which, under the old regime before the war, was in 
a high state of improvement and was considered the garden spot of Buck- 
ingham. 

i<'arni products are tobacco, corn, wheat, oats,' hay, rye, buckwheat, etc. 
Tobacco is the staple crop of the county, producing about five million 
pounds annually. This tobacco is a dark shipping variety and is in good 
demand for English, Austrian and Italian markets. In some sections an 
acre of tobacco will bring to the planter $100, and the average may be 
placed at from $40 to $60 per acre. 

Wheat in the clay lands produces abundantly, yielding as much as thirty 
bushels to the acre, the average yield being from ten to. fifteen bushels 
per acre. Corn, oats and hay also do well under careful and systematic 
cultivation. 

Fruits and vegetables, such as apples, peaches, pears, plums, grapes, 
strawberries, melons, potatoes, garden vegetables, etc., are in abundance. 

Stock and grazing facilities are fairly good; small cattle and sheep do 
well. 

Timber lands embrace a large area of the usual varieties, such as oak, 
poplar, Avalnut, pine, hickory, chestnut, maple, etc., much of which is 
sawed and marketed, and large quantities converted into hoops, staves, 
shingles, and railroad ties. 

This county is rich in minerals — copper, iron, gold, silver, slate, barytes, 
mica, limestone, soapstone and asbestos. Her minerals are practically 
undeveloped, and untold wealth locked up in her borders is waiting for 
capital to liberate and utilize them for the benefit of mankind. There are 
three distinct gold-bearing veins two to fifteen feet wide, which extend 
across the county in a northeast direction. Before the war these were worked 
extensively in a good many places, but owing to the crude methods of 
reducing ore and the process of removing the sulphur they Avere aban- 
doned. Three companies have now acquired locations on these veins, and 
are making investigations, preparatory to work, which promise better 
results than ever before. 

A vein one-fourth to one-half mile wide of the finest roofing slate in 
the world crosses the count}', and is worked extensively near Arvonia, in 
the northern part of the county. Four companies with a capitalization 
of four hundred thousand dollars produce large quantities of slate, for 
which they find ready market. The Buckingham slate retains its color 
and hardness to an unusual degree, and has a national reputation. 

Water courses are James, Slate and Willis rivers, and numerous smaller 
streams, which aft'ord splendid water power for all kinds of manufactories, 
especially the James, in its lon<i- sweep cf fifty miles around the county. 
Manufactories are slate and timber factories, and tobacco industries, fiour- 
ing mills, sawmills, bark mills and sumac. 

Mineral waters are sulphur, chalybeate, lithia and alum. 

Railroad transportation consists of a branch of the Chesapeake and 
Ohio, extending twenty-one miles through center of county, and the main 
line of the Chesapeake and Ohio, keeping close to the north side of the 
James river, for fifty miles. 

Telephone service very good in northern part of county. 



109 

Market advantages are Lj^nchburg and Eiclimond, with Farmville as 
the nearest local market. 

Educational advantages are public schools and graded school at Big- 
Island; churches and postoffices, numerous and convenient. Financial 
condition excellent. Two banks afford excellent facilities for handling the 
finances of the county. Water pure, sweet and plentiful, and health un- 
surpassed. Nature has done much for Buckingham in all that tends to 
make a people prosperous and happy, and she now offers to home seekers 
many inducements, such as cheap lands, a favorable climate, genial and 
mild, a remunerative soil, good markets for the products of their labor, 
and many others that might be mentioned; but the most convincing proof 
of this assertion is to visit the county and see the farmers -who have con- 
verted the old fields into good farms, which evidence their thrift and 
prosperity in the past few years. There is plenty of room here for the 
home seeker, and a welcome awaits him from her hospitable citizens. 

Population of the county, census of 1900, 15,266. Increase since census 
of 1890, 883. Number of males twenty-one years and over, 3,326. 

Buckingham Courthouse (iVIaysville) , the county seat, is a thriving 
village of 300 inhabitants, situated near the center of the county, and 
reached by a branch of the Chesapeake and Ohio at New Canton. 

Arvonia is a growing town, owing to the slate mines at that place 
employing a large number of men, and a rapidly increasing output in that 
business. It contains a large graded school, several good churches, numer- 
ous residences, and others being erected. 



CAMPBELL COUNTY. 

This county, formed in 1781 from Bedford, and named for General Wil- 
liam Campbell, a famous Revolutionary officer, is situated in the south 
central part of the State, five hours ride from Washington, six from Bal- 
timore, and ten from New York, 145 miles by rail southwest from Rich- 
mond. 

It is nearly a square, twenty-five miles each way, and contains 554 
square miles, seventy-five per cent, of which is cultivated. Price of lands, 
location, a;nd facilities of transportation considered, few sections of the 
State offer better inducements to home seekers. The surface is rolling 
and hilly; the soil, red clay in northern part, sandy in southern, and 
very fertile. 

Farm products are corn, wheat, oats, rye and tobacco ; the improved 
lands producing from 15 to 30 bushels of wheat, and from fifty to seventy- 
five bushels of corn per acre; and the annual production of tobacco being 
from four to five million pounds, and of excellent quality. The grasses, 
such as red clover, orchard and timothy, grow well, and, with proper 
attention and management, produce abundant crops. This county is espe- 
cially adapted to fruit of the various kinds, such as apples, peaches, pears, 
plums, cherries, melons, grapes, berries, etc. ; and is especially noted for 
the flavor, size and quality of its peaches. Vegetables and dairy products 
are considerable sources of revenue. Stock raising is profitably engaged 
in, but not to the extent that the favorable conditions would justify. The 
climate and soil are especially well adapted to the raising of sheep. Trans- 
portation facilities are unsurpassed: one trimk line — the Southern rail- 
way — extending north and south; two trunk lines — the Norfolk and West- 
ern, and the Chesapeake and Ohio — extending east and west; and the 
third, the Lynchburg and Durham, south. The Southern and the Lynch- 
burg and Durham traverse the county its full length from north to south ; 
and all its lines of railway have connection at Lynchburg, on the north- 
ern border, and combine to give the county superior market facilities in 
every direction. Lynchburg also affords an extensive and lucrative market 
for all farm products. 



Ill 

Iron ore, manganese, and barytes, are the most important and valuable 
minerals; the last two being developed and worked to some extent. Iron, 
lithia and alum springs abound; the most important being the Bedford 
Alum, iiT this county, near the Bedford county line, Avhich is a place of 
considerable resort. 

Timbers are pine, oak, poplar, walnut, hickory, locust, gum, ash, and 
cedar; of which pine and oak are the most abundant and valuable. 

The James and the Staunton rivers, on the north and the south, respec- 
tively, with their interior tributary streams. Otter, and Big and Little 
Falling rivers, furnish abundant drainage and Avater supply; indeed, no 
county in the State has a greater abundance of springs, branches, creeks, 
etc. 

Water power is abimdant, and a large proportion of it is still unde- 
veloped. Manufactories are a foundry, planing mill, tobacco-box factory, 
woolen mill, bark and sumac mills, and numerous grain mills and saw- 
mills; but these are very insignificant in comparison with the county's 
splendid manufacturing advantages and possibilities, of water power, raw 
material, and transportation facilities to bring the cotton from the South, 
and coal and other ores from the Southwest, with an extensive outlet by 
rail to the markets in all directions. 

The climate is temperate, salubrious and healthful, and the water excel- 
lent and abundant. Churches, public schools, telephone service, and mail 
facilities are ample and convenient. 

Population, independent of the city of Lynchburg, census of 1900, 23,- 
256. Increase since census of 1890, 1,878. Number of males twenty-one 
years and over, 4.988. 

Eustburg, the county seat, is situated near the center of the county, on 
the Lynchburg and Durham division of the Norfolk and Western rail- 
road. It has graded streets, two public schools, three churches, one fra- 
ternal order, and a population of about 250. Value of real estate, 
^1,947,663; personalty, $1,417,790. 



CAROLINE COUNTY. 

This county, located in the northeastern part of the State, eighteen miles 
north of Eichmond, was formed in 1727 from King and Queen, Essex, 
and King William. It is about twenty-eight miles long and twenty miles 
wide, and contains an area of 562 square miles. 

There is a large amount of bottom lands on the numerous rivers and 
creeks which is very productive. The proportion of land under cultivation 
is about fifty per cent. The surface is rolling, the soil light, easily culti- 
vated, and readily improved. 

Farm products are corn, wheat, oats, rye, potatoes, hay and tobacco; 
field peas, also, are produced in great abundance, both as a fertilizer and as 
a forage crop. Much the most profitable industry of the county, however, 
is tobacco raising; the annual production of which is about one million 
pounds; bringing, as estimated for last year, largely over a quarter of a 
million dollars. The growing of fine manufacturing tobacco is a specialty, 
.and in this respect it is not surpassed by any other county in the State. 
Other products are vegetables, butter, fruits and dairying; all of which 
are produced in abundance; and, with the advantages of convenient and 
extensive markets, such as Eichmond, Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, 
and New \ork, they constitute valuable and important industries. Stock 
raising is assuming 'some proportions, and the quality of stock is being very 
much improved. Excelsior, for packing is extensively and profitably manu- 
factured. Other industries have been established within the last couple 
years. Factory for making concrete blocks, several large lumber plants, a 
number of first-class water-power flour mills, and an excellent telephone 
system throughout the county. 



113 

Timber is abundant, such as oak, hickory, walnut, pine, birch, etc., 
much of which is converted into lumber. 

Its railroad, the Eichraond, Fredericksburg and Potomac, extends through 
the county from north to south. 

This is one of the best watered counties in the State: its rivers are 
the Rappahannock on the northern boundary, the North Anna on the 
southern, and the Mattapony and its tributaries in the central portion, 
affording much fine water power. 

Climate excellent: free from storms, cyclones, blizzards, etc., and very 
healthful as the result of its numerous fine springs of pure, soft, drink- 
ing water. 

Population, census of 1900, 16,709. Number of males twenty-one years 

id over, census of 1900, 3,474. 

Bowling Green, the coimty seat, is located near the center of the county, 
three miles from Milford, the nearby station on the Pvichmond, Fredericks- 
buro- and Potomac railroad, from which point it has daily communication. 
It fs a flourishing- town of 458 inhabitants, several churches and public 
schools. Academy," Female Seminary, tobacco warehouse, and carriage and 
wagon factory. Other "towns are Port Pvoyal, with a population of 193, 
and Ruther Glen, a small place, but busy railroad village. 



an 



CAimOLL COUNTY. 

This countv was formed in 1842 from the eastern part of Grayson, and 
was named 'in honor of Charles Carroll of Carrollton. It is situated 
on the southern border of the State, 183 miles southwest from Richmond. 
It touches the N^orth Carolina line. 

Carroll contains a population, census of 1900, of 19,303; showing an 
increase since census of 1890 of 3,806. Males twenty-one years and over, 
census of 1900, 3,971. 

It has an area of 445 square miles. Surface is broken and mountainous, 
with fertile and productive valleys; the largest area of desirable lands 
lyino- in the southern half of the county. It is bordered by the Alleghany 
and the Rockv mountains; and these mountain ranges are especially 
adapted to the pasturage of stock, large numbers of which are raised, cattle 
raising, especially, being one of the leading industries of the county. 

The lands readily produce wheat, corn, oats, rye, buckwheat, potatoes, 
and the grasses. Some tobacco is also grown, but the county is especially 
noted for the production of rve and buckwheat, ranking among the first o. 
the counties of the State for the production of these grains. Fruits are 
grown to great perfection, especially apples and grapes. Portions of the 
county are noted for the growth of the cranberry. , . . , ,, 

A large proportion of the county is still in timber of original growth, 
especiallv on the southern side, with good bodies of white pme m the 
northwestern section. The most important and valuable species are oak 
pine ash, cherry, walnut, poplar, and chestnut; of which a large amount 
is annually manufactured into lumber for export. Sawmills are numerous 
This countv is very rich in minerals; the principal of which are coppei 
and iron, the latter being extensively mined. Mica and asbestos are also 
known to exist, but are not developed. The copper is on the same forma, 
tion upon which the celebrated copper mines of Ducktown, Tennessee, aie 
situated. This valuable deposit has been comparatively unknown but 
Carroll is ultimately to become one of the great f PPer counti^ of the 
southwest and of the State. The construction of the Mt. Rogeis and 
Easte7n rlilway, which is contemplated will bring -^""^ t^ie developmen 
of some fine mineral properties, as its route lies diagonally along the 
minemrbeUnhrough the county. There are already developments being 
mSe in the sectioS northwest of Hillsville. That Carroll with adeqiua,^ 
means of transportation, will develop mines of great value, which will 



115 

form the basis of industries of large and important dimensions, there can 
be no doubt. 

The mineral waters of this county have long been known throughout 
this section for their curative properties; notably the old Grayson Sulphur 
Springs, situated twenty miles south of Wytheville, on the banks of New 
river, with its wild and romantic river and mountain scenery rendering 
it a very attractive and pleasant resort. Its four springs — one a white 
sulphur, one a red, and the other two chalybeate — have their openings 
within an area of thirty feet in diameter, and their temperature of 47 
degrees and 48 degrees, besides furnishing a cool and refreshing draught, 
is so low that they retain their gaseous contents in a state of combination 
for a long while. 

In other sections of the county the scenery is grand and picturesque; 
especially along the rivers with their wdld romantic dells, cascades and 
waterfalls. The health of the coimty is good, the water pure, soft and 
abundant. Every section of the county is well supplied with water by its 
numerous streams. New river, Big and Little Reed Island creeks. Chestnut, 
Poplar, Camp and Crooked creeks; which would afford water power suffi- 
cient, if utilized, to answer an almost unlimited demand. 

Hillsville, the county seat, with a population of about 300, is situated 
near the center of the county, in the basin of the Blue Eidge mountains 
on Little Reed Island creek, a tributary of New river. It is about ten 
miles south of Betty Baker depot, which is its nearest point on the Little 
Reed Island branch of the Norfolk and Western railroad. It contains, 
besides the courthouse, churches, hotels, stores, schools, newspaper, bank, 
shops, foimdry, etc. Considerable business activity prevails here since 
the completion of the railroad to that section of busy mining operations, 
an increase of fifteen to twenty per cent, in the volume of trade being 
reported. 



CHARLES CITY COUNTY. 

This county constituted one of the original shires into which the State 
was divided in 1634. It is located in the east central part of the State, 
twelve miles southeast of Richmond, on the peninsula formed by the 
James and the Chiekahominy rivers. 

It is thirty miles long, with a mean width of about eight miles, and has 
an area of 183 square miles. The surface is mostly level, or gently undu 
lating. The soil is varied — alluvium and gray loam predominating — and 
is for the most part productive, especially on the rivers, where the quality 
is superior. These river lands constitute a large proportion of the area 
of the county, and upon them are foiuid many fine old Colonial estates 
and residences. 

Farm products are corn, wheat, oats, potatoes, peanuts and hay; the 
yields of cereals being above the average for the State. Fruits and vege- 
tables, to which the climate and soil are especially adapted, succeed admi- 
rably. Poultry and dairying are also profitable and growing industries. 
No section of the country is better adapted to a profitable trucking busi- 
ness, especially on the fine river lands, with their superior market advan- 
tages by rail and water. Stock and grazing facilities are very good; with 
an abundance of water and native grasses, and soil well adapted to the 
pasturage of stock. 

The fish industry is a very important and profitable one in the county; 
all the streams abounding in fish of the most valuable species, such as 
shad, herring, sturgeon, alewives, etc. 

Marl of superior quality, and in large quantity, is found, and only 
awaits capital and development to become an important factor in the 
business of the county. 

With only about fifty per cent, of the lands under cultivation, there 
remains an extensive area in timber. Original growth has been pretty 







^^ 









117 

generally cut off, but the second growth of pine, oak, hickorj', etc., rapidly 
replaces it. 

Rivers are the James and the Chickahominy, with their numerous tribu- 
taries, which afford considerable water power, not as yet utilized. The 
transportation advantages afforded by these streams are of great profit 
and convenience; especially the James river, upon which there are daily 
boats from Richmond, and tri-weekly from Petersburg to Norfolk. 

Railroad transportation consists of the Chesapeake and Ohio, which 
runs through the upper portion, bordering the county for eighteen or 
twenty miles. The Richmond and Newport News Telephone Co. has a 
line near the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad, seven miles from Charles City 
Courthouse. 

Manufactories consist of shingle mills, on the Chickahominy, grist, flour 
and saw mills, in several localities, and large brickyards, on James river. 

The climate is much modified by the surrounding water, and is temper- 
ate and pleasant, and Avitli an abundance of pure ireestone water. Health 
compares favorablj^ with that of anj' other section. Churches and public 
schools are numerous, mail facilities good, and financial condition excel- 
lent, while the soil responds quickly to improvement, and retains fertility. 
Situated between the Chickahominy and the James, and convenient to the 
great industrial centers of the Commonwealth — Richmond, Norfolk and 
Newport News — the county is brought in close touch with the outside 
world. 

With all these varied attractions, home seekers and investors will find 
here an inviting field, and a hearty welcome from its hospitable people. 

Population of the county, census of 1900, 5,040. Number of males 
twenty-one years and over, 1,188. 

The county seat, Charles City Courthouse, is located near the center 
of the county, and has a population of about one hundred. 



CHARLOTTE COUNTY. 

Charlotte county, formed in 1764 from Liuienburg coiuity, is located 
in central Southern Virginia, sixty-six miles southwest of Richmond. 

It contains an area of 479 square miles. The surface is generally roll- 
ing; soil varying from loam to clay, and capable of high improvement; • 
bottom and valley lands very productive. 

Farm products are tobacco, wheat, corn, rye, oats, hay, peas, etc. It is 
especialh' the home of fine high-priced shipping tobacco, and is justly 
considered one of the finest tobacco growing counties in the State, yielding 
annually more than four million pounds. Vegetables and fruits of all 
kinds, such as apples, peaches, pears, cherries, grapes, melons, etc., are 
grown in abundance. Stock raising is also an important indus-try, to 
which the lands are well adapted. Wild fruits and nuts are abundant; 
the latter frequently almost sufficient for the fall fattening of hogs. 

Timber abounds in large quantities; more than one-half of the surface 
is covered with lorest, much of which is second growth; but there are 
still much of the native timbers, such as oak, poplar, hickory, walnut, ash, 
etc. The manufacture of lumber is one of the profitable industries of the 
county. 

The minerals consist of iron, copper, mica, kaolin, soapstone, etc., the 
most important of Avnich, perhaps, is iron, which has been found in veins 
eight to sixteen feet in width; but as yet the mineral wealth of the county 
is comparatively undeveloped, with the exception of copper, which is being 
mined now. 

Mineral waters are lithia, sulphur, calcium, magnesia, etc. 

Water courses are the Staunton river and other smaller streams; the 
former of which is navigable by bateaux and small steamers. Manufac- 
tories are confined chieflv to flouring and sawmills. 



118 

Railroad facilities are admirable, the Norfolk and Western on the north, 
the Lynchburg and Durham on the west, the Richmond and Danville 
through the center, a branch line from Keysville into North Carolina, and 
the Tidewater through the county, now building. 

Educational advantages are good, with a sufficient number of public and 
private schools. Financial condition of the county is very favorable. 
The public debt is small ; county four per cent, bonds sell at par. In pro- 
gress and general development, there is evident improvement in this 
county. The climate is mild and healthful; the water pure, with springs 
abundant. Churches and mail facilities numerous and convenient. 

Population, census of 1900, 15,343. Increase since census of 1890, 266. 
Number of males twenty-one years and over, census of 1900, 3,254. 

This county has svich natural advantages of climate, soil and locality, 
that with energy and enterprise, its immediate future is bright and prom- 
ising; and at the present price of lands, which are advancing, no section 
offers a better opportunity for investment. 

It has the distinction of having been the home of two of Virginia's most 
distingaiished sons — John Randolph and Patrick Henry. 
' On account of its peculiar fitness for the purpose, it has recently been 
chosen as the location of the State test farm, sitviated at Saxe, on the 
Richmond and Danville railroad division of the Southern railway. 

Charlotte Courthouse, the county seat, is situated in the central part 
of the county, on Ward's Fork creek, a tributary of Staunton river, five 
miles northwest of Drake's Branchj on the Southern railway, with which 
it has daily stage communication by a fine macadam road. It contains 
several churches and schools, a newspaper, bank, and a population of 400. 

Keysville, at the junction of the main line and a branch of die South- 
ern railway, is a thriving town of 500 population. It has a good bank, 
and is the center of a large tobacco growing section of the State. 

Drake's Branch, located on the Southern railway, five miles southeast 
from the county seat, is one of the largest tobacco markets in the State, 
and ships at least five million pounds of tobacco annually. It is a flour- 
ishing town of 700 inhabitants, and has sixteen mercantile establishments, 
two tobacco sales warehouses, and six prizeries, where tobacco is pre- 
pared for foreign markets; also a grist and flouring mill, a bank and two 
hotels. 



CHESTERFIELD. 

This county was established in 1748, from that part of Henrico which 
was then on the south of James river, and is a long and narrow peninsula 
between the James and the Appomattox rivers. It is twenty-eight miles 
long and eighteen miles wide, and is nearly divided into three equal parts, 
one between James river and Falling creek, the next between Falling and 
Swift creeks, and the last between Swift creek and Appomattox river, and 
extends to Richmond, on the north, to Petersburg on the south, with an 
area of 484 square miles. 

The most valuable lands are found on James river; such as the historic 
farms of Drewry's Bluff, Presque Island and Bermuda Hundred, with many 
others just as productive; also some fine farms on the large creeks. These 
lands are the equal of any in Eastern Virginia, if not any in the State, 
producing fifty bushels of corn per acre, and other grains in proportion, 
the uplands of the county about half so much. 

The surface and soil are varied, and mostly tillable. The river and creek 
bottoms are level, alluvial, fertile and under cultivation. The uplands 
are rolling and less fertile, of a gray and sandy nature, and clay subsoil. 

Farm products are corn, wheat, oats, rye, tobacco, jjeanuts and hay. Hay 
is grown in larger quantities than heretofore, especially on the bottom 
lands, and tobacco is raised to great success on the uplands. The farming 
interests of this county are rapidly undergoing a change for the better 



Hi) 

through the advent of northern and western settlers, who are turning their 
attention to the production of butter and milk, grapes, berries, small 
fruits and vegetables for the nearby markets of Richmond, Manchester, 
and Petersburg, and for the northern markets by steamers on James river. 
Chesterfield in former Virginia expositions received the first premium for 
county agricultural products, and the second for timber, wood and mineral. 
This county is peculiarly adapted to the growth of fruits, beautiful vine- 
yards and orchards being established; and on Buckingham ridge, two miles 
north of Midlothian, are well known and successful nurseries, all of which 
are bringing to their owners handsome returns. Trucking is an important 
branch of indtistry. 

Principal minerals are coal, ochre, Are brick clay, Venetian red, marl, 
and granite. This county is celebrated for its inexhaustible mines of coal, 
which have been worked for a long period, and constitute its chief source 
of wealth; the most important of which are Midlothian, Clover Hill, Black 
Heath, and Winterpock. The last-named is now in full operation. The 
coal fields run entirely across the county, with an average width of six 
to eight miles, and geologists have expressed the opinion that the supply 
of coal is practically inexhaustible. There are thought to be thousands 
of acres of undeveloped coal lands still in the county. Ochre is success- 
fully worked in the county, giving employment to a number of hands. 
On Appomattox river is op'ei-ated the largest ochre mine in this country; 
two-thirds of the yellow ochre and the Venetian red consumed in the United 
States come from these mines. On many of the farms bordering the James 
and the Appomattox rivers immense beds of rich marl are to be found. 
Granite of different varieties is extensively quarried in this county, the 
supply of which is inexhaustible, and the quality unsurpassed ; as is shown 
by its having been adopted in the building of the City Hall of Richmond 
and the Army and Navy buildings in Washington. The seam of granite 
which marks the limit of tidewater divides the county into two parts, 
the eastern and smaller section being in Tidewater Virginia. 

The industries and enterprises of Chesterfield aie: at Robious Station, 
two*and a half miles above Bon Air, two large fire brick works; at Halls- 
boro, eighteen miles west of Richmond, there is located a large steam 
tannery, and sumac mills; at Matoaca, four miles north of Petersburg, a 
town of several hundred inhabitants, is located cotton factories, which are 
in successful operation. At Ettrick, on the opposite side of the river from 
Petersburg, are several large factories, notably a silk factory, employing 
several hundred operatives. Also a very important Chesterfield enterprise 
and industry, and one that is rapidly gVowing, is that of the Arsenic and 
Lithia Springs Company. 

Timber is abundant, embracing about fifty per cent, of the area of the 
county, large quantities of which are annually manufactured into lumber 
and exported; for which there are most excellent facilities by rail and 
river. The interior of the county abounds in forest of original and second 
growth timber; such as pine, oak, poplar, cedar, hickory, ash, chestnut, 
beech, walnut, willow, mulberry, gum, holly, and persimmon; and along 
Appomattox river extending to City Point are also large forests of more 
valuable timber. 

The county is well Avatered, irrigated and drained by the James and 
Appomattox rivers and numerous small streams, which fiow through the 
county. Game and fish of all kinds are abundant. 

Railroads are the Richmond and Danville division of the Southern 
railway, the Seaboard Air Line, and the Atlantic Coast Line, the Farm- 
ville and Powhatan, and the Norfolk and Western, traversing every por- 
tion of the county, north, south, east and west. 

The county roads are fairly good. Two turnpikes penetrate the county, 
the Buckingham turnpike and the Fichmond and Petersburg turnpike. 



120 

There are many places of iiaterest and importance in the county, to 
which allusion shovild be made. One of the ancient landmarks is Salis- 
bury, the former residence of Patrick Henry; another, INIatoaca, the scene 
of John Randolph's early years; and suill anot.ier, Warwick, which, prior 
to the Eevolution, was larger than Richmond, and one of the principal 
shipping points on James river. 

Of the important shipping and manufacturing points, Skinquarter, on 
the Farmville and Powhatan railroad, is a thrifty village, at which large 
quantities of p'ine and oak lumber are shipped; Bermuda Hundred, the 
terminus of the Farmville and Powhatan railroad, is one of the best deep- 
water harbors in the State, accommodating the largest vessels; while at 
Swansboro, adjoining Manchester City, are located extensive car-axle 
works, furniture factories, etc. Clover Hill, Ettrick and Matoaca are also 
villages of some manufacturing importance. 

At Chester, midway between Richmond and Petersburg, and itself the 
junction of the Seaboard Air Line, the Atlantic Coast Line, and the Farm- 
ville and Powhatan railroads, is a fine deposit of clay, operated by a large 
company; also a large lumber company has been formed here for dressing 
and shipping lumber; and a large storage and machinery house. The Rich- 
mond and Petersburg Electric railroad has been completed through this 
village, which unites by electricity the cities of Richmond, Manchester and 
Petersburg. It is the center of numerous railroad lines and systems, and 
is also a pleasant, healthful summer resort. 

Bon Air and l3ry Bridge Depot, on the Richmond and Danville railroad, 
are the homes in summer of a large number of Richmond's best citizens. 
There are few places at which there are more of the beauties of nature 
than at Forest Hill Park, recentl^^ opened. 

The public school system is in a flourishing condition, having over eighty 
public schools; and no section of the county is destitute in this respect. 
There are also a number ,of high-grade schools. The male academies at 
Bon Air and Chester are in a flourishing condition, and the same may be 
said of the female institutes at Chester and Skinquarter. The Virginia 
"Normal and Collegiate Institute, founded in 1882, for the higher education 
of the colored youth of the State, is also situated in Chesterfield, near Pe- 
tersburg, and is doing a good work. It receives a liberal annual appro- 
priation from tlie State. 

Churches and pcstoffices are numerous and conveniently distributed. 
The climate of Chesterfield is salubrious and healthful, the character and 
morals of the people of a high order. 

Population of the county, census of J 900, 18,804. Number of males 
twenty-one years and over, census of 1900, 4,613. 

Chesterfield, the covmty seat, is located near the center of the countj'; 
but the principal town of the county is JNIanchester, a city of considerable 
importance, situated on the south side of James river, immediately oppo- 
site Richmond, on ground gently rolling, rising from the viver, which gives 
it a very picturesque appearance as reviewed from the Richmond side, with 
which it is connected by electric railway. (See Virginia cities.) 



CLARKE COUNTY. 

Clarke was formed in 1836 from Frederick, and named in honor of Gen- 
eral George Rogers Clarke, who distinguished himself in the Indian and 
the Revolutionary wars. 

It lies in the center of the Shenandoah valley, in almost the extreme 
northern part of the State, 106 miles northwest of Richmond, and border- 
ing on the Maryland line. 

The surface of tlie central portion of the county, and west of the Shenan- 
doah river is rmdulating; the soil limestone, and unsurpassed for fertility 



121 

and productiveness. The land east of the Shenandoah river is mountain- 
ous, and valuable for its abundance of timbers, such as pine, oak, chestnut, 
hickory, poplar, cedar, and locust, large quantities of which are annually 
converted into timber for export. Portions of this mountain section pro- 
duce excellent blue grass when cleared, affording fine pasturage for sheep 
and cattle. 

Altogether it may truly be said that, in proportion to its size, this is 
one of the richest counties in the State. The county is rather below the 
average in size, being about seventeen miles long and ten miles wide, 
with an area of 189 miles. Farms are well improved with buildings and 
fencing, and are in a thorough state of cultivation. 

Farm products are corn, wheat, oats, rye, potatoes, hay, etc. Special 
attention is given to the wheat crop ; the lands being among the finest in 
the State for the production of this grain. All fruits of this latitude are 
grown to great perfection, and large quantities of apples and peaches are 
annually shipped to the nearby markets. 

Sumac is a source of considerable income to the inhabitants, growing 
in abundance on the mountain fields. This being a native blue grass sec- 
tion, the raising of cattle is very extensively engaged in, the cities of 
Washington, Baltimore and New York affording convenient markets for 
their sale. 

Iron ore of the finest quality is found in this county in gre^t abundance, 
and promises to become a very lucrative business; it has been mined and 
shipped to the furnaces of Pennsylvania. Copper and lead have also been 
found, but are as yet undeveloped. Limestone, for building purposes, - 
exists in large quantities. 

Besides numerous lumber plants, there are three leather factories of 
twenty-two horse power situated on the Shenandoah river; also on same 
stream, ten large flour mills, which manufacture fine grades of flour that 
find ready sale in the northern markets. 

The Shenandoah river winds its course along the base of the Blue Ridge, 
and, with its several tributaries — Chapel river, and Opequan and Birch 
creeks — plentifully waters the county. 

The Shenandoah Valley branch of the Norfolk and Western railroad, 
extending from Hagerstown, Maryland, to Eoanoke, Virginia, passes 
through the central part of the county from north to south. The Valley 
branch of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad extends through the northwest 
part, and the Washington and Ohio railroad, when completed, will pass 
through from east to west; thus bringing the county into communication 
with all the different sections of the country. 

Everything conspires to make this a very highly favored section of the 
State, with its intelligent, enterprising population, its healthful climate, 
flne water, numerous public schools, and churches of the various denomina- 
tions. 

Total population of county, census of 1900, 7,927. Total males twenty- 
one years and over, census of 1900, 1,904. 

Berryville, the county seat, is a thriving, growing town of 938 inhabi- 
tants, census of 1900. It is located on the Shenandoah Valley railroad, 
a little north of the center of the county. It has a newspaper, bank, public 
school, university school for boys, and eight churches; also a large number 
of mercantile and manufacturing establishments, and streets well graded 
and paved. Since the conjpletion of the railroad, Berryville has experi- 
enced great activity in business, having become one of the most important 
stations on the road. Surrounded by a rich and fertile country, with four 
macadamized roads centering in the town, it thus receives nearly all the 
staples of the country, and, at the same time, has flne roads for drives 
in every direction. 

Others villages of the county are Millwood, Boyce and Whitepost. 



122 



CRAIG COUNTY. 

Craig county was formed in 1850 from Botetourt, Roanolve, Giles and 
Monroe, and borders on the State of West Virginia, from wliich it is sepa- 
rated by the Alleghany mountains. It is located in Southwest Virginia, 
145 miles west of Richmond. Though the smallest of the southwestern 
counties, it is by no means the least important, containing an area of 351 
square miles. Lands are fertile and well kept, varying from light sandy 
to clay, of limestone formation, and peculiarly adapted to the growth 
of rich grasses. Accordingly we find here a pastoral people, who have, for 
a number of years, made the raising of live stock the principal industry 
of the county, annually shipping to the eastern markets a large number 
of fine horses, cattle and sheep, many of the cattle being high-grade short- 




SHIPPING A CARLOAD OF WINTER LAMBS. 



horns. The surface of the county is to a considerable extent rugged and 
mountainous, but there are some very fertile valleys that challenge com- 
parison with the best sections of the State, notably. Sinking Creek valley, 
which is 20 miles long and about 4 miles wide, of limestone formation, 
covered with a rich blue grass sward, and is one of the finest stock raising 
sections of the State. The staple agricultural products, such as wheat, 
corn, oats, etc., are also successfully grown, and considerable attention is 
paid to the raising of poultry, especially turkeys, of which large numbers 
are annually shipped from the county. All the fruits and vegetables 
common to this latitude are grown with the best results. 

Minerals consist mainly of iron, manganese and slate. Indications of 
silver have been found, and fine pottery and brick clays are abundant. The 
Manganese Iron and Coal Company own 20,000 acres of land lying in Craig 
and Montgomery counties, extending from Craig City along the slope of 
Craig mountain for a distance of 25 miles, and along the Johns Creek 
mountain a distance of about 17 miles. It thus embraces the outcroppings 
of all these great ore-bearing formations for a distance of about 40 miles. 



123 

The various ores yield from 40 to 60 per cent, of metallic iron, the average 
being fully 50 per cent, lower in phosphorus and containing no injurious 
substances. The supply of manganese is inexhaustible and of excellent 
quality. 

The mineral resources of this region were known more than a century 
ago, and many years ago furnaces of the most primitive character existed. 
Considerable business is being done in the shipment of ores by rail, to dis- 
tant, as well as nearby furnaces. 

The timber of this section is noted for its fine quality, large portions 
of the county being covered with original forests of oak, hickory, ash, 
poplar, pine, maple, walnut, sycamore, wild cherry, beech, etc. Numerous 
sawmills are in operation. 

The growth of sugar maple is very extensive, from which is produced the 
finest syrup and maple sugar, a considerable quantity of which is shipped 
to the markets. 

Game of all kinds is abundant, from the chipmunk to the black bear, 
and from the partridge to the wild turkey, making it a huntsman's para- 
dise. Its railroad is the Cr^ig Valley branch of the Chesapeake and 
Ohio. The streams are Potts, Johns, Sinking and Craig creeks, and their 
tributaries. 

Total population, census of 1900, 4,293; increase since 1890, 458. Num- 
ber of males twenty-one years and over, 991. 

The inhabitants are prosperous, thrifty and law-abiding. Educational 
advantages are much improved, receiving more than ordinary attention. 
Several religious denominations are represented, and churches numerous 
and convenient. 

New Castle is the, county seat, and most important tovsTi in the county. 
It is located on the Craig Valley branch of the C. & 0. R. R. at the con- 
fluence of Craig and Johns creeks at the foot of North mountain. Popu- 
lation of 300, an increase of 85 since last census. Daily mail by rail, and 
also to Salem on the N. & W. R. R., 23 miles distant. It has a newspaper, 
bank, public school, academic school, and three churches. Iron mining 
could be conducted here with profit, also manufactures, which will be 
heartily welcomed and promoted by its citizens. 



CULPEPER COUNTY. 

Culpeper was formed in 1748 from Orange, and named in honor of Lord 
Culpeper, Governor of the Colony for three years, from 1680. It is sepa- 
rated from Fauquier by the Rappahannock river, and is one of the north- 
ern counties of the Piedmont region, though not wholly of that region, 
the lower portion rimning down into Middle Virginia; hence its surface is 
less rugged than that of some of the other Piedmont counties, and by the 
U. S. Reports it is in point of health second only to Asheville, in the 
whole covmtry. It is 102 miles northwest of Richmond. Altitude 403 feet. 

Surface generally rolling, but several detached mountains or spurs, in 
portions of the county, give it a very picturesque and attractive appear- 
ance. Soil is red clay, chocolate, and sometimes sandy, producing fine 
crops of Avheat, rye, corn, oats and hay. Culpeper raises annually about 
500,000 bushels of Indian corn, and has had the reputation of producing 
the largest quantity of broom corn of any county in the State. It has 
also one of the best and most general telephone systems in the State. 
Fruits of all kinds, especially apples, succeed well along the mountain 
slopes. Much attention is paid to stock raising, and the breeds of cattle, 
horses and hogs have been greatly improved since the war by the intro- 
duction of much thoroughbred stock, which has gained for the county an 
enviable reputation for the superior quality of her live stock. 

The farm lands of this section have attracted considerable attention 
during the past few years, and several farmers from the north have re- 



124 

cently purchased and moved to this locality, the increase of population 
showing an advance movement in this respect. 

Population, census of 1900, 14,123; increase since census of 1890, 890; 
males twenty-one years of age and over, 3,219; area, 399 square miles; 
average price of improved farm lands, $18.00 per acre; average assessed 
value of lands, $10.00 per acre. 

About one-third of the county is in original timber, oak and pine, oak 
predominating. .Although this county was the camping ground of both 
armies for much of the Civil War, and therefore denuded of much of its 
timber, the destruction in this respect is scarcely visible at this time, so 
rapid has been the second growth. The timbers are being utilized in the 
manufacture of chairs, barrel staves, spokes, sjjools, and railroad ties, 
plow beams, etc. There are also numerous grain and saw mills, and sev- 
eral tanneries. 

The minerals of this county are gold (heavy quartz), copper, iron, mica, 
marble and fire clay, but they have been but slightly developed. The gold 
mines have been favorably reported on by distinguished mineralogists and 
mineral experts, and some have been developed and worked. 

The water courses of the county are the Rappahannock, Eapidan, and 
Hazel rivers and their tributaries, which afford abundant water for agri- 
cultural purposes and fine Avater power. ^ 

The Southern railroad traverses the county from northeast to south- 
west, furnishing most excellent transportation facilities. There is also a 
good turnpike extending from the county seat to Sperryville, Rappahan- 
nock county. The character of the public roads is fair, with a disposition 
to improvement. 

Public schools and churches are numerous and convenient. C'ulpeper, 
the county seat, is located near the center of the county, on the Virginia 
Midland division of the Southern railway, and has a population, census of 
1900, of 1,618, now 1,800. It has a good trade with the surrounding country, 
and is one of the most thrifty and enterprising towns in the State. Besides 
other attractions, there are two newspapers, three banks, public schools, 
five churches, foundry, flouring mill, and water works. The past year has 
been active in the development of new enterprises and improvements, such 
as a very efficient sub-sewerage system, metalling and macadamizing the 
streets, a bakery, barrel factory, machine shop, two livery and feed stables, 
numerous fine rental dwellings and handsome residential houses, also a 
splendid new Masonic temple. 



CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 

This count}', formed from Goochland in 1748, lies on the south side of 
James river and extends to Appomattox river. It is 38 miles west of 
Eichmond. Dimensions, 30 miles long, and about 10 miles wide. Area, 
297 square miles. Price of land, very reasonable, but can be made to pay 
well. Lands lie well for farming, and yield well, especially those on the 
rivers, which are very fertile. Surface, to a considerable extent, level, 
the balance is undulating. Soil, gray loam, with red clay subsoil, capable 
of being made ver}' productive. 

Farm products are tobacco, wheat, corn, oats, rye, buckwheat, cotton, 
and sorghum; clover also grows well, but the most important and profit- 
able industry is tobacco growing. Fruits and vegetables of the usual va- 
rieties are successfully produced, such as apples, pears, peaches, apricots, 
plums, tomatoes, sweet and Irish potatoes, cabbage, etc. 

Grazing facilities are fairly good, but probably the most profitable in- 
dustry in that line is sheep husbandry, which is being very successfully 
followed. There is still much of the original growth of timber in the 
county, such as oak of various kinds, hickory, walnut, pine, poplar, ash, 
etc. 



125 

Minerals are found to some extent, the principal of which is coal. Fine 
mineral springs have recently been discovered, from which, within a few 
feet of each other, flow lithia, sulphur, chalybeate, and magnesia water. 
Eivers are the James, Appomattox and Willis rivers, which afl'ord abundant 
water power, and fish of many varieties. 

Railroads are the Chesapeake and Ohio on the northern, and Norfolk 
and Western on the southern borders, with the Farmville and Powhatan 
railroad running through county, a distance of 30 miles from Powhatan 
county line on the northeast, to Farmville on the southeast. 

Manufactories and industries are tobacco, tanbark, fertilizer, sassafras 
oil, flouring and saw mills. Farmville, in Prince Edward county, a thriv- 
ing town of about 3,000 inhabitants, is the principal market for the pro- 
ducts of the county. Church, school and mail facilities are very good, and 
convenient, with numerous free schools, several graded schools, and daily 
mail to all parts of county, and telephone service in southern portion. 

Total poulation of county, census of 1900, 8,996 ; males twenty-one years 
and over, 1,915. 

Considerable progress is shown in the improvement of the lands and 
public roads of the county, and in financial conditions, which are very 
favorable; and with a climate mild and healthful, water good and abun- 
dant, and lands capable of high state of improvement at small cost, and 
adapted to almost all the fruits and staple crops grown in the State, there 
is much to invite the home seeker and others seeking investment. 

Cumberland, the county seat, located about the center of the county, 
on the Farmville and Powhatan railroad, has shown considerable improve- 
ment in the past two or three years, in the establishment of a tobacco 
warehouse and stemmery, both of which are to be enlarged and others 
built. 

Cartersville, on James river, is a thriving town of about 200 inhabi- 
tants, at which much of the tobacco of the county is bought, and is a prin- 
cipal shipping point for its products. 

Several smart villages have recently sprung into importance, while with 
new settlers coming in and old ones improving their farms, much im- 
provement is observable, and the general outlook for the county is very 
promising. Its altitude is 474 feet. 



DICKENSON COUNTY. 

Dickenson is a small county, and a comparatively new one, having been 
formed in the year 1880 from the counties of Wise, Buchanan and Rus- 
sell, and named in honor of William J. Dickenson, who was, at that time, 
a member of the House of Delegates from Russell. It is situated in the 
extreme western section of the State, 395 miles west from Richmond. Its 
altitude is 1,800 feet. 

The surface of its borders is very rugged, having the Cumberland moun- 
tains on the north, separating it from Kentucky, and also a range of moun- 
tains on the eastern border ; but the central and valley portion is com- 
paratively level, with much fertile land. The climate is healthful and 
invigorating; the average temperature being 52.4 degrees F., rainfall 60.1. 
The soil varies in texture, but is principally sandy. 

The county contains an area of 324 square nliles, 313,597 acres. It has 
700 farms averaging in size, 225 acres each. Lands range in price from 
$2.00 to $20.00 per acre, the average price per acre of improved farm 
lands being $15.00. The average assessed value of land is $1.50 per acre. 

This is one of the best counties in the State for investors, as the prices 
of lands are comparatively low, and the resources of the county as yet 
im developed. 

Farm products are corn, wheat, rye, oats, millet, tobacco, potatoes, 
sorghum, and buckwheat; also vegetables and fruits are grown to a con- 



126 

siderable extent. Stock and grazing facilities are fairly good, the wild 
range excellent in some sections. Being in the great grazing region of 
the southwest, a considerable portion of the county has, naturally, good 
grass lands. Timbers, of most valuable kind and superior quality, are 
found here in great abundance. A very large portion of the county, prob- 
ably three-fourths of its area, is in original forest of oak, hickory, poplar, 
walnut, elm, ash, maple, wild cherry, cucumber, pine, and hemlock. There 
are numerous sawmills in the county, and much lumber is cut and hauled 
to various points on the Norfolk and Western railroad, and considerable 
logging done, the logs being floated down the waters of the Big Sandy 
river to Cincinnati and other points. There is an abundance of coal and 
iron, besides many mineral springs of great medicinal value. The wealth 
of the county in fine bituminous, splint and cannel coals, is unsurpassed 
by the same area anywhere, but is as yet unworked. The streams of the 
county are Pound, Cranes Nest, and Russell Fork rivers, and McClure's 
creek, which flow north, through breaks of the Cumberland mountains, into 
the Ohio. Some of these streams afford splendid water power, but it has 
not been utilized. In many places on these streams the scenery is very 
imposing; especially that on Russell Fork river, in the deep canyon at the 
breaks of the Cumberland mountains, in the northern end of the county. 

There is no railroad in tlie county, though several lines have been sur- 
veyed. 

The financial condition of the county is very satisfactory, with very 
little, or no, county debt. 

In church and mail facilities the conditions are favorable, and improv- 
ing as the county is developed. Progress and general advancement has 
been very marked within the last few years, as is evidenced by the large 
increase in population. 

Population, census of 1900, 7,747. Increase since census of 1890, 2,670. 
Males twenty-one years and over, census' of 1900, 1,521. 

Clintwood, the county seat, is located in the western part of the county. 
When the county was first formed, the county seat was located at Evington, 
on McClure's creek; but afterwards, in 1882, by act of IjCgislature, it 
was removed to its present location in Holly Creek valley, and named Clint- 
wood in honor of State Senator Clint Wood. It is the largest town in the 
county, and by census of 1900, has a population of 225. It is located in 
a very beautiful, fertile valley, with several fine mineral springs in and 
around the town, and, besides the courthouse building, contains several 
churches, hotels, boarding-houses, schools, newspaper, etc. The courthouse 
building is one of the best in Southwest Virginia. Coeburn, in Wise 
county, 20 miles distant, on the Norfolk and W^estern railroad, is the 
nearest railroad station, and with this town it has telephone connection. 
It can also be reached from Cleveland station on the same road. 



DINWIDDIE COUNTY. 

This county was formed from Prince George in 1752, and named in 
honor of Robert Dinwiddle, Lieutenant Governor of Virginia from 1752 
to 1758. 

It is situated at the head of tidewater, between the Appomattox and 
Nottoway rivers, twenty-two miles south of Richmond, and has an area 
of 521 square miles, one-third of which is cultivated. Its farms average 
160 acres each. 

The surface is, in some parts, undulating, but mostly level. The soil, 
light gray in the southern and eastern parts, red stiff clay loam in other 
portions, is very fertile, especially on the river coiu'ses, and in the vicinity 
of Petersburg. 

The principal farm products are tobacco, cotton and peanuts. The 
grains, rye, oats, ^ wheat, and corn, are grown to some extent, especially 



127 

the latter. Clover and other grasses do well, and yield good crops of hay 
when seeded on the creek and river bottoms, or on improved lands. Pota- 
toes likewise, both sweet and Irish, melons, berries, and vegetables of all 
kinds, grow in abundance, and render trucking an exceedingly profitable 
industry to the farmers, especially in the eastern portion of the county 
and in the vicinity of Petersburg, where market and shipping facilities 
are so extensive and convenient. 

Transportation facilities are excellent, and are furnished by the Sea- 
board Air Line, the Atlantic Coast Line, and the Norfolk and Western 
railways; also water navigation by the Appomattox river above and below 
the city of Petersburg, extending to James river and to the sea. 

Mineral products are iron ore, marl, and granite, in abundance and of 
the finest quality. The timbers are pine, oak, poplar, walnut, hickory, ash, 
gum, and maple, the greater portion of which is second growth. Numerous 
sawmills are in operation in the county. The Appomattox river, on the 
northern boundary, and the Nottoway river on the southern, with their 
numerous tributaries, furnish ample water supply and drainage, and are 
also well stocked with fish of the usual varieties. The climate is mild 
and healthful, a,nd the water plentiful and good. 

All sections of the county are well su|jplied with churches of the various 
denominations. The public schools are in a flourishing condition, Avith 
comfortable school buildings and competent teachers. 

The Central Lunatic Asylum, for colored patients exclusively, is located 
in this county near Petersburg. It was founded in Richmond in 1870; 
but subsequently, in 1885, was removed to its present location. It is one 
of the largest asylums for colored lunatics in the United States. 

Mail facilities are ample, and the financial condition of the county very 
favorable. 

Dinwiddle, the county seat, is located near the center of the county, 
twelve miles southwest from Petersburg, on the Virginia and Carolina 
railroad. It has several churches, a public school, and a fraternal order. 

Population, independent of Petersburg, census of 1900, 15,374. Increase 
since census of 1890. 1.859. Number of males twenty-one years and over, 
3,924. 



ELIZABETH CITY COUNTY. 

Elizabeth City county was one of the original shires into which Vir- 
ginia was divided in 1634, and Queen Elizabeth is the derivation of the 
name. It is situated at the southeastern extremity of Virginia's great 
peninsula, on Chesapeake bay, and at the mouth of James river, bordering 
upon the historic Hampton Roads, sixty-five miles southeast from Rich- 
mond. 

Its form is nearly a square of seven miles on a side. With the excep- 
tion of Alexandria, it is the smallest county in the State, having an area 
of fifty square miles, one-half of which is in cultivation. Average assessed 
value, $70.00 per acre. The surface is level, and the soil varies from light 
and sandy to rich alluvial, much of it being highly fertile. 

Farm products are corn, wheat, oats, hay and potatoes. Vegetables 
and fruits do well, especially the smaller fruits, berries, etc. Poultry rais- 
ing receives a great deal of attention and finds a very remunerative home 
market. Trucking is a very important industry in the county; but per- 
haps the most profitable industry of the county is its fish, crab and oyster 
business. These abound in inexhaustible quantities, and of the finest qual- 
ity, in the surrounding waters, and give profitable employment to a large 
number of the inhabitants. Wild fowl — geese, ducks, swans, etc. — are 
also found in large numbers on the streams. There is very little stock 
(other than that for dairy purposes) raised in the county. 

The Chesapeake and Ohio railroad and different lines of electric rail- 
way afford ample facilities of travel and transportation, and the county. 



129 

being almost surrounded by navigable waters, is in daily communication, 
by steamers, with Richmond, Norfolk, Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, 
and New York, affording excellent market advantages for its products. 

The interior water supply and drainage are furnished by Back river 
and Hampton creek. Manufactories consist of sawmills, iron foundry, 
and shoe, sash and blind, and oil factories. 

The climate is temperate, delightful, and generally healthful. Churches 
of the various Protestant denominations and most excellent public schools 
are well distributed over the county. Telephone and free delivery, mail 
facilities are ample, public roads good, and the financial condition of the 
county excellent. 

Population, census of 1900, 19,460. Increase since censvis of 1890, 3,292. 
Number of males twenty-one years and over, census of 1900, 7,831. 

Hampton, the county seat, and most important town, is a flourishing 
place, within the corporate limits (large suburbs), of 3,441 inhabitants, 
census of 1900, and shows an increase of population, since last census, 
of 928. It is beautifully situated in the southern part of the county, on 
a branch of Hampton Roads, eighty miles from Richmond, and fifteen 
miles across the Roads from Norfolk and Portsmouth. 

Its numerous railway and steamship lines, having direct connection 
with the larger cities of the north and south, afford exceptionally good 
transportation facilities. The climate is remarkably fine, and water good 
and abundant, supplied from wells, cisterns, and public water works. 

It is well supplied with schools, handsome church buildings and fraternal 
orders, newspaper, two banks, and good hotels. The streets are paved 
with shells and have brick sidewalks. The town has a most excellent 
municipal government, and fire and police departments. 

Located here is the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute, an 
institution for the education and training of negroes and Indians, with a 
capacity of about seven hundred students, and an efficient corps of teachers 
and professors. It Avas opened in 1868, and incorporated in 1870, being 
the first permanent school for freedmen in the South. It is aided by both 
the State and National governments, but is dependent upon voluntary 
donations for the greater part of its support. 

Other institutions of learning, located here, are the Hampton Female 
College, and the Syms-Eaton free school, both in successful operation. Two 
fine public school buildings have recently been erected here ; also num- 
bers of other handsome bviildings, notably the Bank of Hampton building, 
constructed at a cost of about $100,000. 

Truck farming in the immediate vicinity is an important factor to that 
section. 

Hampton is one of America's most conspicuous towns from an historical 
point of view — conspicuous as being next to the oldest town in the United 
States, and as having a frontage on the greatest harbor known to the 
world, in which occurred (near by) the great battle between the Monitor 
and the Merrimac. 

Having been destroj^ed three times by fire, owing to the terrible vicis- 
situdes of three of America's most notable wars, Hampton has risen 
Phcenix-like from the ashes of calamity, and by her thrift, energy and 
prosperity, proclaims that the end is not yet, in the history of the "Old 
Game Cock Town" of Virginia's peninsular district. 

Phoebus, another important town of the county, by census of 1900, has 
a population of 2,094. Several handsome buildings have recently been 
erected here, embracing residence and business houses, church, schoolhouse 
and hotel. 

Other points of great interest in the county are Old Point Comfort, 
Fortress Monroe, and the National Soldiers' Home. 

The former is situated at the junction of Chesapeake bay with Hampton 
Roads, and three miles from the town of Hampton, with which it has 
-electric railway connection. It got its name from Captain Christopher 
5 



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I 



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131 

Newport, who found it a safe haven during a severe storm — -the "Old" 
being added to distinguish it from New Point Comfort, a few miles away. 
It is one of the most fashionable and popular resorts on the Atlantic coast, 
and is especially attractive for its fine bathing, boating and fishing. 

Near by is Fortress Monroe, commanding the approach to Hampton 
Roads, and at which is stationed the United States /school of artillery. 

The National Soldiers' Home for disabled volunteer soldiers, is located 
near Hampton. It has beautiful grounds and buildings, and expends 
annually one and a half million dollars, much of which benefits the 
county. 



ESSEX COUNTY. 

This county was formed from (old) Rappahannock in 1692, the records 
of the original county remaining m its archives. It is , a northeastern 
county, thirty-five miles below Fredericksburg, on the Rappahannock 
river. About twenty miles of its lower river front is in the famous oyster 
section, which produces as fine oysters as any section of the State. 

This county was once the seat of great wealtn, and by well directed 
enterprise and energy could be still readily restored to its former affluence 
and importance. 

Dimensions of county are as follows: about thirty-five miles long and 
six miles wide; area, 277 square miles. 

The lands are fertile and easily cultivated, and, being smooth, with no 
stone, all improved agricultural machinery can be used to advantage. 

Physical aspects of the county are the same as in the tidewater country 
generally, the surface principally level, or slightly rolling. Soil is sandy 
loam, with clay subsoil. The river lands are very good, and when properlj' 
drained are very productive and valuable. On the Dragon Swamp lands, 
which separate Essex from King and Queen, are fine wheat lands, with a 
heavy, tenacious sf)il of great fertility. The lands of the county respond 
readily to any eflfort at improvement, and there is no part of the State 
where farming can be engaged in with better prospects of success. 

.H'arm products are wheat, corn, oats and hay. Trucking also forms a 
very Important item of agriculture in this county. The extra early English 
pea grows to great perfection. Several thousand acres in the eastern 
part of the county are annually cultivated in these peas. Potatoes also, 
and other vegetables, with dairy products, are sources of much revenue. 
This county is well adapted to the growth of fruit, such as peaches, ap- 
ples, pears, and the smaller fruits. There are some very fine peach and 
apple orchards in the county — some of the former numbering as many as 
10,000 or 12,000 trees each- — the products of which are shipped in large 
quantities, bringing the highest prices in the northern markets, or disposed 
of to the several canneries in the county. Clover and other grasses grow 
readily, and interest in these products has greatly increased, indicating 
an improved condition of farming. 

(rrowing and fattening live stock for market (especially cattle) is very 
profitable. Owing to the mild winters they are fed with much less expense 
than in the colder sections of the State, and numbers of native-grown 
cattle, weighing 1,500 pounds for three-year-olds, are sold every year for 
export; but perhaps the greater portion of the cattle of the county are 
shipped to the Baltimore market. 

The Rappahannock river is well supplied with fish and oysters. The 
shad and herring fisheries, especially, are very valuable, employing many 
men and vessels. 

The county is well watered and drained by the Rappahannock river, 
and its numerous tributaries, some of which are navigable; and while 
there are no railroads in the county, this deficiency is amply supplied by 
river navigation, both by steam and sail vessels, and the best of markets 
made accessible by a very low rate of freight, wheat and corn being car- 



132 

fied to Baltimore, or Norfolk, for three cents per bushel. Passenger traffic, 
as well as freight, is amply supplied by a line of steamers from Balti- 
more and Norfolk to Fredericksburg, fifty-five miles above Tappahannock, 
the county seat. 

About fifty per cent, of the county is under cultivation, and the balance 
em'oraces considerable quantities of timber in oak, pine, elm, ash, poplar 
and chestnut. Some few lumber mills are in operation. 

A general summary of the county embraces numerous attractions and 
advantages, not heretofore enumerated; such as an excellent telephone 
system over the county; superior educational advantages and mail facili- 
ties; churches, numerous and convenient, of the several denominations; 
health good, and water as fine as any in the State, being freestone from 
wells and from springs sometimes impregnated with iron, and also from 
artesian wells, giving pure water in abundance; financial condition favor- 
able, and progress and general advancement abreast of any of the neigh- 
boring counties; brineries have become a profitable industry. Additional 
advantages are its mild climate, and its cheap and easy living; its abun- 
dance of fish in the rivers, wild fowls in the creeks and marshes, and 
probably as much game of all kinds as can be found in any other portion 
of the State. 

When the tide of immigration reaches its normal condition, this will 
be found to be one of the finest counties in the State in which to locate 
new and desirable homes at very moderate prices. 

Population of county, census of 1900, 9,701. Number of males twenty- 
one years and over, 2,164. 

Tappahannock, the county seat, is a port of entry for the district, and 
has a population, by census of 1900, of 554, an increase of 102 since census 
of 1890. It is located on the Rappahannock river, in the northeast part 
of the county, and contains several public schools, churches, a bank, news- 
paper, large sumac mill, canning factory, foundry and machine shops. Its 
water supply is from artesian wells, arid the town is laid oflf on the same 
plan and same day, as Philadelphia. Other towns of the county are Lo- 
retta and Dunnsville. 



FAIRFAX COUNTY. 

Fairfax county was formed from Prince William in 1742, and named in 
honor of Lord Fairfax. It lies on the west bank of the Potomac river. 
The eastern portion of the county is in the immediate vicinity of the 
cities of Washington, Georgetown, and Alexandria. It is situated in the 
northeastern portion of the State 7t" miles north of Richmond, and con- 
tains an area of 433 square miles; generally in a high state of cultivation, 
with nice, commodious buildings. The altitude is 382 feet. 

Lands near Washington City are high, but in the interior of the county 
good farms can be bought at from $20.00 to $40.00 per acre. The surface 
of the county is generally rolling, and smooth, nine-tenths of which is 
arable. A variety of soils exist ; in some sections sandy, but generally red 
clay. The lands throughout the county are generally good; in some parts 
very fertile and capable of a high state of cultivation. 

Farm products, already very large, are rapidly increasing, and consist 
principally of corn, wheat, oats, rye, hay, fruits, dairy, and vegetables. The 
cultivation of wheat has increased immensely. Fruit culture is an important 
industry in the county, and is being rapidly developed. Apples, peaches, 
pears, plums, cherries, quinces, and grapes, are grown in great abundance, 
and of the latter there are vineyards of over 100 acres. Fairfax has for- 
merly stood at the head of the list of counties in the value of orchard 
products. 

The dairy business is conducted on an extensive scale, and has enor- 
mously increased within recent years, until the daily shipments of milk and 
cream to Washington and Georgetown amount to over 4,000 gallons. There 



133 

are also several butter and clieese factories in the county. Poultry raising 
and market gardening are largely engaged in, and are sources of much 
revenue. Its proximity to Washington, Georgetown, and Alexandria, in- 
sures a convenient and ready market for all the products of the farm, 
dairy and garden. 

The fish industry in the Potomac and small streams gives employment 
and remuneration to quite a large number of people. The raising of 
cattle, sheep and hogs is carried on to a considerable extent, and is quite 
profitable. 

The transportation facilities of the county are of the very best, there 
being hardly a place more than six or eight miles from some one or other 
of the several railroads which traverse the county, or from the Potomac 
river which bounds two sides of the county, and is navigable for large 
vessels as far as Washington. Several steam and electric railways connect 
this county with Washington, and attract a considerable population to the 
numerous and convenient suburbs. 

Red sandstone and gray granite are found in considerable deposits, in 
various sections of the county, as are also gold, iron, copper, asbestos, 
and soapstone; but are not developed to any large extent. The Theodora 
Copper Mine is in this county. Timber — generally pine, with some oak, 
poplar, and chestnut — is found, especially in the southern part of the 
county. Water and drainage is amply furnished by the Potomac and 
Occoquan rivers and their tributaries, but no important water power is 
found, except at the great falls of the Potomac. The climate is temperate 
and salubrious; the water soft, pure, and sometimes impregnated with 
iron; health excellent. 

Educational advantages consist of the public free schools, the Episcopal 
High School, the Theological Seminary, and convenient access to the 
schools of Washington and those of Alexandria. Churches and mail 
facilities are numerous and convenient. Financial condition of the county 
is very favorable, and telephone service is very good, having direct commu- 
nication with Washington and Alexandria. 

There is a steady and very marked progress and advancement in this 
county year by year, as is evidenced by the large increase in population; 
many families from the northern and western States having settled in 
the county since the war. A bank was organized last year and is doing 
a flourishing business. 

Population of county, census of 1900, 18,580. Increase since census of 
1890, 1,925. Number of males twenty-one years and over, census of 
1900, 4,865. 

Fairfax, the county seat, is located in the center of the county, midway 
between the main line, and the Washington and Bluemont branch of the 
Southern railway and about six miles from each. It is a thriving inland 
village of 373 inhabitants, with streets well graded and paved, several 
public and private schools, churches. Masonic lodges, carriage and wagon 
factory, etc. 

Centerville, another village of some importance, is located on the extreme 
border of the county, and near the famous battlefield of Manassas. 

Other towns in the county are Falls Church, with population of 1,007 — 
an increase since census of 1890 of 215 ; Herndon, population of 692 ; 
Vienna, a population of 317. These are thriving villages situated on the 
Washington and Falls Church railroad. 

Mount Vernon, the beautiful home and burial place of Washington, is 
situated in this county on the banks of the Potomac, eight miles below 
Alexandria and fifteen miles from Washington City, from which latter 
place a steamer visits Mount Vernon daily. There is also an electric rail- 
way connecting it with Alexandria and Washington. The grounds are in 
charge of the Mount Vernon Association, and are visited by thousands of 
persons from all parts of the world. 



134 

FAUQUIER COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1759 from Prince William, and named in 
honor of Francis Fauquier, who was governor from 1758 to 1767. 

This is a northern county, 63 miles, air line, north of Richmond. It 
lies at the upper waters of the Rappahannock river, which separates it 
from Culpeper and Rappahannock on the west, and at the foot of the Blue 
Ridge mountains on the northwest, which separate it from Warren. 

Besides the Blue Ridge, there are several other mountain ranges in the 
county, the principal of which are the Carter's and Bull Run, which form 
a chain through its central part north and south. 

The length is 45 miles, mean breadth 16 miles, area 676 square miles. 
The surface is gently rolling, and in some portions quite hilly, but with 
considerable level land. About eighty per cent, of the county is under 
cultivation, and, having been judiciously managed, is generally in a high 
state of improvement. The soil in most part is very fertile, especially the 
noted greenstone lands, which constitute the richest part of this productive 
county. 

Farm products are wheat, corn (in the production of which it is second 
in the State), oats, hay, peas, beans, potatoes, and vegetables of all kinds. 
The productions of the comity furnish a large surplus for the markets. 
The usual fruits adapted to this latitude, such as apples, peaches, pears, 
cherries, and the smaller fruits, succeed admirably, and are being largely 
grown; also the grape is being successfully cultivated, especially on the 
eastern slope of the Blue Ridge mountains. The most important products 
of the county are the cereals and grasses, but stock raising ranks as the 
chief industry. 

This is essentially a pastoral county, being so thoroughly watered, and 
the soil so well adapted to the growth of all the grasses, especially the 
nutritious blue grass, which grows spontaneously, and is so valuable in 
the production of the fine cattle, for which this county is so noted in the 
markets of Washington, Baltimore and the cities farther north, as well as 
in the export markets of Europe. 

This eormty is very favorably situated as to markets, with its splendid 
railroad service, north and south, affording quick, easy and cheap trans- 
portation to the nearby cities of Alexandria, Washington and Baltimore. 
Its railroads are the Manassas and the Warrenton branches of the Southern 
railway. 

The "mineral formations of this county are various, embracing gold, iron, 
copper, asbestos, marble, slate, sandstone, and granite; several of which 
are mined and quarried. Timber is good, consisting principally of oak, 
hickory, chestnut and poplar. There is an unusually large number of 
sawmills in operation in this county, also spoke mills, and other small 
factories. 

Fauquier is abundantly watered by the Rappahannock and Occoquan 
rivers, and other small streams, which also aflFord splendid Avater power 
for all kinds of manufacturing purposes. 

The climate is delightful, especially in summer, not objectionably severe 
in winter, very healthful, and free from all malarious diseases or fevers. 
'Water is freestone and very abundant, never-failing springs and wells on 
almost every tract. 

There are churches of all Protestant denominations throughout the 
county. Mail facilities ample, and public schools numerous and of a 
high order, also several academies of excellent standing. 

Warrenton, the chief town and county seat, 365 feet above sea level, 
is located on the Warrenton branch of the Southern railway, and is the 
center of a refined and intelligent community. It has a population, by 
census of 1900, of 1,627, which is an increase of 281 since census of 1890. 
It has numerous churches, schools, also newspapers, lodges of Odd Fellows 
and Masons, a bank and a steam grist mill. Near by is the Warrenton 
White Sulphur Springs, a popular pleasure and health resort. 



135 

There are several other thriving villages in the county: among them 
Upperville, with a population of 376: Eemington, population 198; Paris, 
Summerville, Markham, The Plains, New Baltimore, Marshal, Rectortown, 
Midland and Bealton. 

Population of county, census of 1900, 23,374. Increase since census of 
1S90, 784. Number of males twenty-one vears and over, census of 1900, 
5,369. 

Fauquier ranks high, as regards quality of soil, beauty of scenery, 
healthfulness, and general prosperity; having, among its farmers, some of 
the most successful and prosperous in the State. 



FLOYD COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1831 from Montgomery, and named in honor 
of John Floyd, then Governor of Virginia, and lies between the Blue Ridge 
and Alleghany mountain ranges, near the southern border of the State, 
225 miles southwest from Richmond. 

It is thirty-eight miles long with a mean width of eighteen miles, and 
contains an area of 383 square miles. 

Its surface is rolling and in some parts mountainous, with about one- 
half in cultivation. Soil is very productive, and well adapted to grain 
and grass, and though the lands are in many places very steep, they are 
not too much so to be conveniently cultivated. Little river and its tribu- 
taries have many fine farming tracts, also Burks Fork ; and though the 
lands of this latter section are generally steep, much of the land of the 
county is excellent, and susceptible of a high state of cultivation. 

Products are tobacco, wheat, corn, oats, rye, buckwheat, hay, cabbage, 
potatoes. It stands at the head of the list of counties of the State for 
buckwheat, and is a large producer of rye and tobacco. Orchard and 
dairy products are large and valuable. It is especially adapted to the 
growth of apples, which rarely fail of a full crop; also peaches, pears, 
cherries, grapes, plums, etc., do well. The lands are well adapted to the 
growth of all the grasses ; clover does Avell, and red top or herd's grass, 
and blue grass grow spontaneously, afi'ording splendid pasturage for the 
many fine horses, cattle and sheep, raised in the county. In the west end, 
on the waters of Burnet's and Greasy creeks, are the largest areas of 
grass lands; and upon these considerable herds of cattle are grazed, and 
wintered anually. 

There is no railroad nearer than twenty miles — the nearest being the 
Norfolk and Western, which passes through the adjoining counties of 
Montgomery and Pulaski. One is under contemplation and partly con- 
structed, from Radford to this county, and doubtless will be completed in 
the near future. 

The mineral wealth of this county is undoubtedly of great value, and 
only awaits the advent of transportation facilities to stimulate its develop- 
ment. Nearly every part of its surface indicates the presence of its ores; 
such as gold, silver, iron, copper, lead, manganese, asbestos, plumbago, 
arsenic and soapstone ; and some are already attracting special attention 
looking to their development. 

]\Iany sections of the county are still covered with a fine virgin forest, 
embracing about one-half of the area of the county. The more valuable 
species are walnut, poplar, oak, hickory, ash, pine, maple, and chestnut. 
These timbers are being rapidly converted into lumber by the numerous 
sawmills in operation in the county. 

Abundant water and drainage is furnished by Little river and its 
numerous tributaries, and the tributaries of Reed Island creek. On these 
streams are many points of beautiful, romantic scener^^, which will form one 
of the most attractive features of the county when more accessible to the 
outside world. Little river also afl'ords fine water power. On the south- 



137 

west fork, near the county seat, is situated one of the finest flouring mills 
in the State, and in every part of the county, at intervals of a few miles, 
there are water powers, either in use in propelling sawmills, grist mills 
carding machines, etc., or a^Yaiting■ future development. 

Many of the mountain peaks afford excellent views of the surrounding 
country, particularly the famous Buffalo Knob, which is frequently visited 
by excursion parties. This is an elevated healthful section — no epidemics, 
and possesses delightful summer climate. 

Other advantages and attractions; briefly enumerated, are good mail 
facilities, excellent freestone water, churches, and public schools, financial 
conditions excellent, with not a dollar of indebtedness, and people indus- 
trious, frugal, and enterprising. 

Population, census of 1900, 15,388. Increase since census of 1890, 983. 
Males tw^enty-one years and over, 3,114. 

This county, though comparatively new, is not far, if at all, behind its 
sister coimties in the importance of its resources, which only await develop- 
ment through the introduction of capital and adequate transportation 
facilities. Reports received from the county indicate very favorable con- 
ditions; increased attention being given to improvement of the lands, 
stock raising, grazing, etc. 

Floyd, the county seat, is situated near the center of the county, and 
is a thriving inland town of 402 inhabitants — census of 1900 — with steam 
lumber mill, newspaper, bank, lodges, of Masons, Odd Fellows, Knights 
of Pythias, numerous chvirches, hotels, and stores — the latter having a 
good trade with this and adjoining counties. 

Other towns are Graysville, Copperhill, Turtlerock, and Willis — villages 
of growing importance. 



FLUVANNA COUNTY. 

Fluvanna was formed in 1777 from Albemarle, and lies on the north 
bank of James river, near the center of the State, fifty miles northwest of 
Richmond. 

This county is nearly square and contains 289 square miles — 180,000 
acres. Average size farms 150 acres. Bottom lands on the water courses 
are the most valuable, rating' at $20.00 to $50.00 per acre. Surface gen- 
erally rolling, self-draining and easy to cultivate; with soils of every 
variety and capacity of productiveness, from the richest alluvial bottoms, 
often skirted by heavy productive clay soils, to the poorer ridges between 
the rivers. In the eastern part of the county, the lands are, in the main, 
of a gray granite soil., while in the western portion is a heavier, closer 
clay soil, mixed with clay and quartz rock, both of which readily respond 
to generous treatment. The flat lands along the James and Rivanna rivers 
are very fertile, and productive, yielding large crops of wheat, corn, and 
hay; and perhaps the finest grain belt known to this covmtry includes the 
lower part of this county. 

The products of the county are wheat, corn, oats, rye, grass, and tobacco, 
the latter of which, is the most important and profitable. The soil and 
climate seem to be especially adapted to the gi-owth of tobacco; large 
quantities — over a million pounds — being produced annually, embracing, 
not oiily the famous sun-cured, but the finest grade of shipping and 
mahogany wrappers. For fruits, large and small, and vegetables of all 
kinds, the soil and climate are well adapted, especially the eastern portion 
of the county. Grasses of various kinds do well. Herd's grass — red top — 
is in some localities indigenous, and red clover, timothy hay, and orchard 
grass groAV luxuriantly on good soil, or when properly treated with 
manures, ashes, or commercial fertilizers. 

Its rolling and well-drained lands, pure water, and mild climate, make 
it peculiarly fitted for sheep; also, fine herds of cattle are to be found in 
different sections of the countv- 



139 

The James river division of the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad passes 
through the southern border of the county, and gives easy and quick com- 
munication with the cities east and west; and the Rivanna river extending 
into the central portion of the county, affords water transportation from 
that section to the nearest railroad point at Columbia. 

The county is believed to be rich in various minerals, gold, silver, copper, 
iron, slate, building stone, etc. They are, in the main, undeveloped, but 
the indications are so favorable as, in the opinion of skilled mineralogists, 
to promise rich results, if properly developed and worked. Tellurium, the 
oldest gold mine in Virginia, is situated in this county. 

There is also much valuable timber in the county, such as oak, poplar, 
walnut, pine, hickory, etc. 

There is no county in the State, and possibly no such extent of territory 
anywhere better or so well watered as is this ; with the James river 
encircling its southern boundary for about twenty-two miles ; the Rivanna 
river running through the county, from northwest to southeast for about 
thirty-flve miles, cutting it nearly in half; and the Hardware river trav- 
ersing its western border; with their numerous tributaries, Cunningham, 
Manchunk, Ballinger, Bird and other smaller creeks, and innumerable 
branches intersecting the coimty in every direction. These streams also 
afford a series of fine water powers for mill sites and manufactories, upon 
which there are already located numerous mills; and the Rivanna offers 
special inducements, with its dams. 

The climate of the county is unsurpassed, being temperate and perfectly 
healthful. The water is abundant and from springs of purest freestone. 
There are churches, postoffices and good public schools in every neighbor- 
hood. 

Population of county, census of 1900, 9,050. Number of males twenty- 
one years and over, census of 1900, 2,073. 

Altogether the county offers many attractions to settlers, such as cheap 
and productive land, healthful and salubrious climate, and accessibility to 
market. There is much uncultivated land, now lying unimproved for the 
lack of capital and labor which would make it blossom as the rose. The 
people will heartily welcome both in their midst. 

Palmyra, the county seat, is a small village, located in the center of the 
county, on Rivanna river, twelve miles from Columbia, a station on the 
Chesapeake and Ohio railroad, with which it has daily mail communication. 
It contains wheat and corn mills, public school, newspaper, churches, etc. 

The most important town in the county is Columbia, with population, by 
census of 1900, of 216. It is situated at the confluence of the Rivanna and 
the James rivers, about 55 miles west of Richmond, and 90 miles east of 
Lynchburg, on the James river division of the Chesapeake and Ohio rail- 
road, 286 feet above tidewater. 



FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

This county was formed from Henry and Bedford, in 1784, and lies 
at the eastern base of the Blue Ridge mountains, in the southern part of 
the State, 140 miles southeast of Richmond. 

It is thirty miles long and about twenty miles wide, containing an area 
of 690 square miles. Farms average in size 150 acres. Price of lands 
range from $2.50 to $25 per acre. 

The surface is rolling, and in some parts mountainous. The soil, chiefly 
a red clay, is very fertile. This is one of the most productive of the Pied- 
mont counties, producing large crops of Avheat, corn, rye, oats, hay and to- 
bacco, especially the latter ; nearly all the landholders being tobacco planters 
to a considerable extent. The region is unexcelled for growing all the 
fruits for which this Piedmont section is noted; such as apples, pears, 
peaches, plums, apricots, cherries, grapes, etc. 



140 

Dairy products and poultry also pay well, market advaiitages being very 
good. Grazing facilities are not fully developed, but are very good, and 
considerable attention is paid to raising stock for the markets, and also 
horses. Milch cows and other cattle are shipped in large numbers. 

Railroads are the Franklin and Pittsylvania railroad and the Norfolk 
and Western, which crosses the county from north to south, furnishing 
ample facilities for transportation. 

Minerals of this county are iron, asbestos, mica, granite and soapstone; 
the principal of which is iron, which is found in inexhaustible quantities, 
and is the only one that has been successfully Avorked. 

Timber of the various kinds is abundant: the most valuable being oak, 
poplar, pine, hickory, Avalnut and chestnut. A large number of steam saw- 
mills are in operation, turning this timber to profitable account. 

Rivers are the Staimton, on the northeast border, and the Pig and the 
Blackwater, with their numerous tributaries, which afford ample drainage, 
and excellent water power, as is evidenced by the flour mills, some sawmills, 
and woodworking establishments located on them. 

The climate is mild, the water unsurpassed, and the health of the county 
excellent. A large number of churches represent the diff'erent denomina- 
tions, and mail facilities are very fine. 

Population, census of 1900, 25,953; increase since census of 1890. 968. 
Number of males twenty-one years and over, census of 1900, 5,098. 

The people are generous, hospitable and progressive; and the stranger 
who comes to make his home amongst them receives a hearty welcome. 

Eocky Mount, the county seat, with a population of 612, is located about 
the center of the county, on the Winston-Salem division of the Norfolk and 
Western railroad, and is also the western terminus of the Franklin division 
of the Southern railway. It is an enterprising business place, with a large 
tobacco warehouse and manufacturing establishments, good schools, numer- 
ous churches, several fraternal orders, a national bank, newspapers, and a 
number of business houses. Its altitude is 1,132 feet. There are five high 
schools in the county, and two national banks. 



FREDERICK COUNTY. 

Frederick cormty was formed in 1738 from Orange. It is the northern- 
most county of the State, at the head of the Shenandoah valley, 116 miles 
from Richmond. It is twenty miles long and about eighteen miles wide, 
and has an area of 425 square miles, with an averaged assessed A^alue of 
$12.00 per acre. 

The middle part of the county is interspersed with frequent mountain 
ranges, with valley lands between, but the surface generally is undulating. 
There are belts of gray slate formation, also of limestone; the latter em- 
bracing one of the most productive sections of the State. This is one of 
the best coimties of the famous Valley of Virginia, noted for its fine lands, 
and good farming. 

Farm products are wheat, corn, rye, hay, and oats; of which fine crops 
are produced. In the value of orchard products, this county stands very 
high; some sections have attained considerable notoriety for fine apples, 
especially near Winchester. 

Fruit growing, farming and stock raising constitute most profitable indus- 
tries, the county having most excellent market advantages. This is one 
of the finest live stock counties in the State. Horses and cattle, in large 
numbers, and of superior quality, are raised and shipped to northern mar- 
kets. 

The railroads are the Valley branch of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, 
the Southern, and the Norfolk and Western, and the Cumberland Valley, 
extending from Winchester to Pennsylvania, affording a great through 



141 

route of travel and traffic, from the east and northeast to the south and 
southwest, as well as most excellent facilities for trade and travel north- 
ward. 

Minerals are iron, coal and limestone. The iron is found in North 
mountain, in large quantity and good quality. The coal is of the anthra- 
cite formation. Timbers are oak, hickory, walnut, pine, locust, and ash, 
and are fairly good in quantity and in quality, especiallv in the limestone 
belt. 

Streams are Cedar creek, Opequon, Bark and Hogen creeks, and numerous 
others, affording water power for largely increased manufacturing pur- 
poses. This county can boast of an unusual number of manufactories; 
such as flour mills of large capacity; numerous woolen mills; tanneries; 
glove, cigar, box, and cabinet factories; sawmills and planing mills; car- 
riage factories ; two iron foundries ; a steam paper mill ; a fertilizer factory ; 
sumac and bark mill; shoe factory; wheat-fan factory; agricultural imple- 
ment factory; glass-cutting establishment; and a number of other smaller 
industries. 

The public roads and turnpikes are exceptionally good, eight macadamized 
turnpikes running into Winchester. 

There are numerous fine mineral springs in the county; the principal of 
Avhich are the Rock Enon Springs, and the Jordan White Sulphur, which 
have an extended reputation, and are liberally patronized. 

Climate is healthful and salubrious, and water unsurpassed, with its 
numerous clear streams and copious springs. Churches are numerous, and 
schools are of a high order, the county having been long known for its 
superior educational advantages. Telephone service and mail facilities are 
excellent. The financial condition of the county is good, with no public 
debt, while in progress and general advancement there has been a marked 
improvement in the past few years. Population of county, by census of 
1900, not including city of Winchester, 13,239. Number of males twenty- 
one years and over, not including city of Winchester, 3,393. Increase of 
population of the county since census of 1890, including Winchester, 520. 
This is the county seat, a prosperous city, the second in importance in the 
great Valley of Virginia. ( See cities of Virginia. ) 

The educational, moral and social advantages of this county, render it 
one of the most attractive in the State. Its altitude is 717 feet. 



GILES COUNTY. 

This county was formed, in 1806, from Monroe and Tazewell, and was 
named in honor of the Honorable W. B. Giles, representative in Congress 
from this State, 1790-1802, and Governor of Virginia in 1827. It lies on 
the western border of the State, about 18.5 miles southwest from Richmond, 
and has an area of 349 square miles. 

All its borders, north, south, east and west, are mountainous; the middle 
rolling; about fifty per cent, of area being under cultivation. The soil is 
limestone and clay, and generally very fertile. 

Products are corn, wheat, rye, oats, hay, etc. The crop of maple sugar, 
syrup, and sorghum, is worthy of mention ; especiallj^ the sorghum. This 
county is well adapted to the growth of fruit, and considerable attention 
is being paid to this industry; especially to the apple crop, large quantities 
of which are shipped, and add greatly to the revenues of the people ; also 
grape culture is coming to be very extensive; and the cherry grows in great 
abundance, being apparently a native of this climate and soil. Some very 
fine peaches are grown, and in large quantity, when proper attention is given 
to their culture and protection from the borer. All these fruits and ber- 
ries, besides vegetables of all kinds, which grow to great perfection, find 
a readv and remunerative market in the coal fields near bv. 



142 

From the same source there is a constant demand for the dairy products, 
butter and cheese; also poultry and eggs, large quantities of which are 
produced. 

The rich bottom lands on the river and other water courses are splen- 
didly adapted to trucking, and they are being utilized for that purpose to 
a considerable extent. 

This county is also splendidly adapted to grazing, and the production of 
hay. All the gi'asses do well, and in some sections blue grass grows spon- 
taneously. As a result of these favorable conditions, live stock raising is 
one of the most important industries of the county. Large numbers of 
fine fat cattle and lambs are annually shipped to the northern and eastern 
markets, and some of the former sold for the export trade. This is an 
exceedingly fine corn county, which renders the pork and bacon product 
very valuable. 

Railroads are the New River division of the Norfolk and Western rail- 
road, and two lateral lines; one the Big Stony, extending up Big Stony 
creek a distance of twelve or fifteen miles; the other, the New River, Hol- 
ston and Western, extending up Wolf creek about the same distance; and, 
in addition to these, the Tidewater railroad, now being constructed through 
the entire length of the county. These are standard gauge roads, built 
primarily to reach the ores, timbers, tanbark, etc., of those sections; but 
destined to be extended to other and further undeveloped portions of the 
southwest, ultimately forming connections with through trunk lines. The 
New River division, now the main line of the Norfolk and Western rail- 
road, extends from Radford to Columbus, Ohio; and, by a branch line, to 
Norton, connecting with the Louisville and Nashville for Cincinnati, Lou- 
isville, etc. The New River railroad follows the course of New river 
through the center of the county a distance of twenty-eight miles to the 
West Virginia line, and thence into one of the finest mineral and timbei 
regions in the world. 

The minerals of the county are destined, at no distant day, to be the 
source of its greatest wealth. Iron of fine quality is found in almost 
every section of the county, while manganese, zinc, lead, barytes, and vari- 
egated marble, have been found. The limestone, especially along the river 
and railroad, in quantity and quality for building purposes or lime, can- 
not, for the same area, be excelled in the world. Several lime works of 
large capacity are located on this line, and have large and increasing de- 
mands from the coal fields and elsewhere for all they can produce, and 
still there is room and demand for more. 

Timber has been very abundant in this county, but has been very exten- 
sively culled out. There is a very large area, 30,000 or 40,000 acres, of 
remote mountain lands, that, owing to inconvenient transportation, has not 
been worked at all. Large areas of the mountain sides yield immensely 
in chestnut oak, from which tanbark is obtained. The timbers of the 
county are white oak, black oak, chestnut oak, chestnut, hickory, sugar 
maple, locust, black pine, yellow pine, white pine, hemlock or spruce pine, 
poplar, wild cherry, ash, linden, buckeye, walnut, dogwood and cedar, in the 
order of their respective supply. Much of this timber is very fine for 
cabinet and ornamental purposes. 

The whole area of the county is well watered by New river, flowing 
through it, and several of its large tributaries, such as Big and Little 
Stony creeks. Sinking and Doe creeks on the east side. Wolf and Walker's 
creeks on the west side. There is ample water power on nearly all the 
streams to warrant extensive establishments. Numerous fine rolling mills 
are located on these streams. The most extensive manufacturing enter- 
prises of the coimty are the two large steam tanneries located at Blufi" 
City, near Pearisburg, and at the Narrows, five miles below. These opera- 



143 

tions give employment to a large number of the laboring population, and 
a fine market for the tanbark in which this county abounds so largely. 

No description of this county would be complete without a reference to 
its notable physical features, as displayed in its grand mountains and 
magnificent scenery. Toward the central part of the county is the lofty 
and beautiful Angel's Rest, about 4,000 feet above sea level, and 2,000 feet 
above the river below. Opposite to Angel's Rest, on the northeast side 
of the river, is Butte mountain, of the same general formation and ele- 
vation. Flanking the latter on the south is the Salt Pond mountain, with 
its Bald Knob towering nearly 5,000 feet above the sea. Answer- 
ing this mountain in position is the Sugar Rvm mountain on the opposite or 
southwest side. Toward the southern side of the county, are the impor- 
tant iron-bearing parallel series composed of Spruce, John's Creek and 
Gap mountains on the northeast side of New river, and of Buckeye, Guinea 
and Walker's mountains on the southwest side of the river; Gap mountain 
and Walker's mountain answering to each other in line of continuation. 
But the most noted and the grandest scenery of all is Mountain Lake and 
the Cascades, and Bald Knob, near by. Mountain Lake is a celebrated 
health and pleasure resort on the top of Salt Pond mountain, and truly it 
may be called the silver gem of the Alleghanies, situated, as it is, almost 
on the summit of the highest mountain of Virginia, at an elevation of more 
than 4,000 feet above the sea. Besides the pure mountain air and water, 
its chief attraction is a lake of clear transparent water three-quarters of 
a mile long by one-half mile wide, with a surface area of about 250 acres, 
and an average depth of about sixty feet. Another notable point in this 
galaxy of sublime scenery is Bald Knob, three-fourths of a mile in the rear 
of Mountain Lake, and 500 feet higher; so high- that scarcely anything 
grows on its lofty summit, from which landmarks of five different States 
are visible. 

Eggleston Springs, commonly called New River White Sulphur Springs, 
is located on the south side of the county, nine miles from Pearisburg, the 
county seat, on the east bank of New river, one-quarter of a mile from 
Eggleston Springs station, on the Norfolk and Western railroad. This is a 
popular resort, having an elevation of 2,000 feet, and said to possess highly 
medicinal and curative properties. 

In climate, health, and water, this county ranks with the most favored 
portions of the State; churches are numerous and well attended; schools 
excellent, public and graded; mail facilities and telephone service reach 
to every section of the county; financial condition highly favorable. The 
people are moral, sober, industrious, enterprising, and proud of their 
county, which is fast becoming one of the most progressive in the State, 
as evidenced by its rapidly increasing population. 

Pearisburg, the county seat, is situated in the shadow, almost, of the 
beautiful Angel's Rest, one mile from Pearisburg station on the Norfolk 
and Western railroad, and has a population, by census of 1900, of 464 — 
an increase since census of 1890 of 123. It contains churches of different 
denominations, public and graded schools, hotels, stores, several fraternal 
orders, a bank, newspaper, etc. Its altitude is 1,547 feet; area 349 square 
miles. 

Other towns in the county are Narrows, Newport, Staffordsville, Eg- 
gleston, and other business points of some importance. The first two 
named, are large business centers, vieing with the county seat in importance 
and population. 

Population of county, census of 1900, 10,793; increase since census of 
1890, 1,703. Number of males twenty-one years and over, 2,496. 

To its other more notable features, Giles county adds the highly im- 
portant one of being the great gateway of railway travel and traffic to 
the famous coal fields of Virginia and West Virginia and to northern and 
northwestern cities. 



145 

GLOUCESTEE COUNTY. 

Gloucester was formed, in 1661, from York, and named after Glouces- 
tershire, in England, from, which place most of the earliest settlers of the 
county came. It is located in the eastern part of the State, thirty-eight 
miles from' Richmond. It is twenty-seven miles long and eight miles wide, 
and contains 253 square miles. 

On the water courses the lands are low and level ; further back they 
are higher and gently undulating; but no portion of the county is very 
far from deep water. The proportion of cultivated land to the area is 
from one-fourth to one-third. The soil is generally a sandy loam, with 
rich alluvial lands along its many streams. 

Farm products are hay, corn, oats, rye, and wheat; but tobacco and pea- 
nuts can be profitably grown. The soil and climate are admirably adapted 
to trucking, the principal crops of which are Irish and sweet potatoes, 
peas, cantaloupes, watermelons, etc. Fruit culture is receiving more at- 
tention, and will prove very profitable with intelligent care. All the fruits 
are grown to some extent, but the most profitable are pears, grapes, and 
strawberries. 

Market advantages are good. Produce shipped in the evening is on the 
Baltimore market next morning; also Norfolk and Richmond are good 
markets for this section. 

Owing to the great extent of water front, Gloucester is probably more 
largely engaged in oyster planting than any of the counties of the oyster 
section, and the quality of her oysters ranks with the best. The fisheries 
of the county are also very extensive and vakiable, employing large capital 
and labor, and bringing to its citizens and the State large revenue. A 
very large proportion of the people derive a livelihood almost entirely 
from the water; and its products may be considered the most important 
and profitable industries of the county. 

Increased attention is being given to the raising of stock and the culti- 
vation of the grasses, for which the low grounds are well adapted; and they 
also succeed very well on the uplands. 

The nearest railroad point is West Point, the eastern terminus of the 
York river division of the Southern railway, sixteen miles distant. Any 
deficiency in this respect is amply supplied by the extensive water trans- 
portation that reaches every portion of the county. Steamers and sail 
vessels daily ply the York and Pasquotank rivers, and Chesapeake and 
Mobjack bays, affording cheap, convenient and direct communication with 
the cities of Baltimore, Norfolk, and Richmond, also with Philadelphia, 
New York and Boston, by connections at Old Point. The water courses 
above named, together with Ware, Severn, and North rivers, and numerous 
creeks, afford not only a magnificent water supply, but are turned to valu- 
able account for their productions, and for their transportation facilities. 

The county is fairly well timbered; principally pine, while some oak, 
hickory, and cypress are found. Several sawmills are successfully em- 
ployed; lumber, cord-wood, poplar wood, and railroad ties are shipped to 
considerable extent. Marl is found throughout the county a few feet be- 
low the surface, and has been extensively and successfully used as a 
fertilizer. 

Owing to the proximity of the county to numerous bodies of salt water, 
and the sea, the climate is mild in winter, and tempered by the sea breeze 
in summer; and the salt water atmosphere also has the effect to render 
it very healthful. Water is supplied by artesian wells, easily bored, and 
by mxmerous springs; and is abundant and good. There is also excellent 
lithia water in the county. Churches of the various denominations. Epis- 
copal, Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian, are well located. Educa- 
tional advantages are good; with one Academy, and one young ladies' 
school, and with public schools in every neighborhood. The county is well 
supplied with telephone service, local and long-distance, two banks, and 






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147 

has excellent mail facilities. In progress and general advancement there 
is a decided upward tendency in this county. The farmers are adopting 
improved implements and methods, and financial conditions are better 
than for years past. A very good indication of this as a desirable section 
is the increased population, as shown below. 

Population, census of 1900, 12,832; increase since census of 1890, 1,179. 
Numlser of males twenty-one years and over, 3,004. 

Gloucester, the county seat, is located on Mobjack bay, an arm of the 
Chesapeake, and is a small country village of about one hundred inhabi- 
tants, containing carriage and harness shops, lodge of Masons, and daily 
mail communications. 

This county has some of the finest estates in Virginia, and, in ante- 
bellum days, was noted for its wealth and refinement. It is also noted as 
having been the place of the death and burial of Nathaniel Bacon, the 
leader of the rebellion against Governor Sir William Berkeley in 1676. It 
is furthermore claimed to have been in this county, on the York, that Poca- 
hontas saved the life of Captain John Smith. 



GOOCHLAND COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1727 from Henrico, and named in honor of 
one of Virginia's colonial Governors. This is a central county, and lies 
along the northern bank of James river, a distance of about forty miles. 
It is situated thirteen miles west of Richmond. 

Thirty miles long and about ten miles wide, it has an area of 296 square 
miles. Its surface is undulating. Its soil is a gray or chocolate loam, 
with stiff red clay subsoil, and, on the water courses, is very rich and pro- 
ductive. The uplands, though not so good, are easily improved and are 
well adapted to tobacco. 

Farm products are corn, wheat, oats, tobacco and hay, corn, wheat and 
tobacco being the chief — especially the last two. Fruits and vegetables of 
the usual varieties are produced to a considerable extent; especially 
grapes, to which much of the land is admirably adapted. Market advan- 
tages are good, by rail and market-carts, to Richmond. Clover and tim- 
othy do well; and' more attention is being paid to the cultivation of grasses, 
and the introduction of improved stock. 

The James river division of the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad, following 
the windings of James river on the southern border of the county for over 
forty miles, furnishes ample and convenient transportation facilities. 

Minerals are gold, coal, iron, mica and plumbago. Several of the gold 
and coal mines are being worked ; also a fine mica mine near Irwin Station, 
in the lower end of the county. Petroleum, or naphtha, has been found, 
and the indications are that the oil is in considerable quantities. Mineral 
waters are alkaline, chalybeate, sulphur, iron and lithia; the most im- 
portant of which are the fine mineral springs at East Lake. 

Timbers are oak, hickory, walnut, pine, poplar, chestnut, cedar, locust, 
and ash. They are limited in quantity, but of fine quality. 

It is bountifully watered by the James river and its tributaries on the 
south, and bv branches of the South Anna on the north, in which many 
varieties of fresh water fish abound. Industries and new enterprises are 
numerous, sawmills, flour and grist mills, keg factory, stemmery, rock 
quarries, sassafras mill, and wintergreen and poke-root mill. 

The climate is salubrious and healthful; water first-class; churches and 
public schools numerous; telephone service and mail facilities very good. 

Population, census of 1900, 9,519; number of males twenty-one years 
and over, 2.277. 

Goochland Courthouse, the county seat, is located in the southern part 
of the county, thirty miles west of Richmond, and one mile north of 
Maiden's Adventure depot, James river division Chesapeake and Ohio 



149 

railway. It is a small country village of about fifty inhabitants; its near- 
est market, Richmond. There are no other towns in the county. Altitude, 
143 feet. 

Owing to the favorable location of this county, its proximity to Rich- 
mond — the capital city — cheap lands, fine climate, and water, it offers 
many inducements for immigration and investment; and, realizing the 
opportunities presented, many northern parties have purchased lands and 
settled in this county, and are much pleased. 



GRAYSON COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1793 from Wythe, and named in honor of 
Honorable William Grayson, who was a member of the Virginia Conven- 
tion of 1788, which adopted the Federal Constitution. It is situated on 
the southern border of the State, 265 miles southwest from Richmond. 

It contains 438 square miles. The western portion is mountainous, but 
the central and eastern parts lie in a fertile valley, and comprise a fine 
farming section. About forty per cent, of the land is in cultivation. The 
soil is loam and gray granite, with clay subsoil, and quite fertile. 

Farm products are wheat, corn, rye, oats, buckwheat, etc., also a large 
quantity of bacon is annually sold. This is an exceedingly fine fruit 
county, varieties such as the apple, pear, peach, quince, cherry, plum, 
grape, etc., grow to great perfection. It seems to be the native home of 
the apple, which is noted for superior flavor and excellence. 

This is a good grass section, producing a considerable amount of hay, 
and having excellent grazing facilities. The county is rapidly coming to 
the front in the raising of stock; large numbers of cattle, sheep, and other 
live stock being sold every year. 

There are no railroads in the county, except a small portion of the short 
line extending from the North Carolina division of the Norfolk and Western 
railroad to Fries, in this county. Besides other railroads in contempla- 
tion, there is every indication that the Mount Rogers and Eastern rail- 
road will be built through the county at an earl}^ day. 

Of the counties lying on the Blue Ridge plateau, with their almost im- 
measurable mineral wealth, this is one of the most important; with its 
varied deposits of gold, silver, iron, copper, lead, mica, asbestos, granite, 
limestone and freestone. Of these, iron, copper, granite, and asbestos are 
the most important. 

Timber is very abundant, and of great variety; such as poplar, oak, 
pine, walnut, hickory, chestnut, ash, etc. A large sale of timber was re- 
cently eff'ected in the west end of the county, involving over $100,000. 

This county is splendidly watered by New river and its numerous tribu- 
taries. The streams are especially adapted to every species of game fish. 
The mountain trout is very common in nearly all the streams, and the 
famous New river catfish reaches its highest perfection in these waters. 

Grayson may be considered not only one of the best watered counties 
in the State, but as having the finest water power ; New river furnishing 
more than a thousand horse power per mile, according to government sur- 
vey ; and all the creeks afl"ording excellent power, every mile or two, for 
purposes of milling and manufacturing. Grain and saw mills are very 
numerous, also two woolen mills, and one or two forges, that partially 
supply the home demand for iron ; but the most important enterprise, and 
one of the most extensive in the State, is Washington Mills, at Fries, in 
this county ; a corporation chartered under the laws of the State of New 
Jersey, and a few years ago capitalized at $2,250,000. A farmer's quiet 
home on the banks of New river, in Grayson county, a few years ago, has 
now become the scene of all the hurry and bustle of a large manufacturing 
town. An immense factory building 900 feet long and 130 feet wide, and 
a dam of stone and cement 450 feet long and 40 feet high across New river, 



150 

went up rapidly ; and with 6,300 horse power driving 1,100 looms, the fac- 
tory employs 1,500 women and children, besides male labor. The Norfolk 
and Western extension of its North Carolina division has been completed 
to the mills. This mammoth enterprise is only a beginning of what will 
become a great manufacturing center. 

A splendid well ordered hotel is open for the reception of guests; and 
the store and office building, 80 x 80 feet, and three stories high, is a 
trading center, for the people for miles around. 

This county has the distinction of having the highest mountains in the 
State ; the Balsam or Mount Eogers being the highest, and White Top the 
next in altitude, 5.530 feet above sea level; and for natural scenery it is 
not surpassed in the State. Added to its other attractions are numerous 
fine sulphur springs and other mineral waters. This section is noted for 
the purity of its air, and its immunity from great storms, guarded, as it is, 
by the great Iron Mountain chain on the north and west. Its healthful- 
ness is attested by the vigor and longevity of its people. There is an 
abundance of pure freestone water from never-failing springs, which supply 
a wealth of fine water scarcely equalled in the State. 

This county has made rapid progress in the past few years in the con- 
struction of good, commodious and up-to-date schoolhouses and churches. 

Several high schools, as well as the public school system, are in a pros- 
perous condition. Telephone service and mail facilities of the county are 
very good ; financial condition favorable ; and the people imbued with a 
spirit of enterprise and progress. 

Total poulation, census of 1900, 16,853. Increase since census of 1890, 
2,459. Nvimber of males twenty-one years and over, 3,547. 

Independence, the county seat, is a country village of about two hundred 
inhabitants, situated in a fertile valley on a branch of New river, a little 
east of the center of the county. It has several hotels, churches, stores, a 
saddlery, smith shops, two fraternal orders, two newspapers, and a public 
school. 

A larger town, though only two years old, is Galax, situated on the line 
of Grayson and Carroll, the line passing along the center of the main 
street. " It is the terminus of the North Carolina division of the Norfolk 
and Western railroad, and boasts of a large furniture factory, a spoke 
and handle factory, and a considerable tannery, besides two newspapers, 
a good bank, a wholesale grocery, and a number of retail stores. 



GREENE COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1838 from the western part of Orange, and 
was named after General Nathaniel Greene, of the Revolution. It is situ- 
ated in the north central part of the State, sixty-six miles northwest from 
Eichmond, and lies on the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge. 

It contains 150 square miles. Average size of farms is 150 acres; moun- 
tain lands cheap. The surface is mountainous or hilly, and about one- 
third in cultivation; the soil red and gray loam, and very fertile, producing 
corn, wheat, oats, rye, tobacco, and the grasses. Fruits, such as apples, 
peaches, pears, cherries, and the smaller kinds, are raised in considerable 
abundance, and of good quality, and in fact may properly be termed the 
county's most profitable industry. The county is also admirably adapted 
to raising stock, especially sheep. 

The Southern railroad runs within a few miles of the eastern border of 
the county. The Rockingham turnpike, macadamized from Harrisonburg 
to Gordonsville, passes directly through the county, and afl'ords ample 
facilities to the farmers in getting their products to the markets. 

Minerals are copper and iron, but the lack of convenient transportation 
has retarded the, development of them. 



151 

Timber is abundant, consisting of pine, oak, hickory, chestnut, walnut, 
and poplar; the most merchantable of which are oak and pine. Numerous 
sawmills and grain mills are in operation. There are several water courses 
in the county, tributaries of the Rapidan and Rivanna rivers, which afford 
abundant water power for mills, etc. On the head waters of South river, 
in this county, is a very beautiful and romantic cascade, at which the 
water falls over a precipice 160 feet. 

Climate, water and health of the county are exceptionally good ; churches 
and schools numerous and convenient. 

Population, census of 1900, 6,214. Increase since census of 1890, 592. 
Number of males twenty-one years and over, 1,308. 

Stanardsville, the county seat, is in the central portion of the county, 
and has a population of about three himdred. It contains several public 
schools, churches and fraternal orders. 

Ruckersville is a small village in the southeastern part of the county. 



GREENESVILLE COUNTY. 

This county, formed in 1780 from Brunswick, is one of the southern 
border counties, forty-eight miles south of Richmond, and eighty miles 
west of the Atlantic ocean. 

It contains an area of 288 square miles. About one-third of the land is 
in cultivation. The surface is level or slightly rolling, the soil generally 
a sandy loam, easily tilled. The population last census was 9,758. 

The farm products are varied and valuable; such as tobacco, corn, wheat, 
oats, cotton, peanuts, broom corn, and sweet potatoes; the most impor- 
tant of which are cotton and peanuts. Tobacco is also one of the chief 
staples. Fruits of many varieties are cultivated, especially grapes and the 
small fruits. Transportation facilities are good. The Coast Line, the 
Atlantic and Danville, and the Seaboard and Roanoke railways traverse 
the county. 

Marl is the only mineral, but it is abundant and valuable as a fertilizer 
for some of the staple crops, especially peanuts. 

Timbers are principally white oak, ash, pine, sycamore, poplar, cedar, 
hickory and chestnut. 

The Nottoway river on the north, and the Meherrin in the center, with 
their tributaries, afford an ample water supply and abundance of fish, be- 
sides water power for numerous grain mills. 

The climate is pleasant and healthful, and not subject to extremes of 
either heat or cold. Water is good, churches and schools numerous, and 
the people kind and hospitable. 

Emporia, the county seat, is located in the east-central part of the 
county, on the Meherrin river, and at the junction of the Atlantic alnd 
Danville, and the Atlantic Coast Line railroads, and has a population, by 
the census of 1900, of 1,027. This is a growing town, a score or more of 
families from nearly as many different States settled here recently. The 
industrial plants located here are a granite quarry, a fruit-packing plant, 
and several lumber mills. The latest enterprise is a large box factory, 
known as the Emporia Manufacturing Company, which gives employment 
to over one hundred hands. A number of new and handsome residences 
and business houses have been erected during the past year. There is good 
water power at Emporia awaiting development. There are several churches 
and fraternal orders, two newspapers, a bank, and a graded school. 
Near by is Belfield, a town of considerable importance. 



HALIFAX COUNTY. 

Halifax was formed in 1752 from Lunenburg, and is one of the largest 
and most populous comities in the State. It lies in the heart of the finest 
tobacco growing section of the State midway from east to west of the bor- 
der line, ninety miles southwest from Richmond. 



152 

It contains an area of 806 square miles, about one-fourth of which is in 
cultivation. The surface is rolling; soil of the ridge lands is of a soft 
gray, sandy character; that on the streams is a loam of great fertility. 

Farm products are wheat, corn, rye, oats, hay and tobacco. This county 
ranks sixth in the production of corn, third in oats, and second in tobacco, 
of the counties of the State. Over 13,000,000 pounds of tobacco were pro- 
duced in one year. Fruits, vegetables and dairy products are of considerable 
importance, and -prove valuable, with proper care and attention. The chief 
industry is tobacco growing, and much is of the finest grades of bright 
wrappers. Almost every farmer is engaged in this line of agriculture. 

The raising of fine stock, horses, cattle and sheep, is attracting the atten- 
tion of the farmers as a source of profit; especially sheep raising, which 
is being conducted very successfully. 

Most excellent railroad facilities are furnished by the Southern, the 
Lynchburg and Durham and the Atlantic and Danville railroads, which 
traverse the county in all directions. 

Minerals are iron, copper, slate, plumbago, manganese, gold, and mica; 
several of which have been worked to some extent. The Wolf Trap Lithia 
Well of this county, situated on the Southern railway, has attained an ex- 
cellent reputation, and the water is shipped to all parts of the county, 
also beyond its limits. Gold is profitably mined at Red Bank. 

Timber is plentiful, such as hickory, oak, pine, and poplar. Almost 
every section of the county is bountifully watered by the Staunton, the 
Dan, the Banister and Hyco rivers and their tributaries, rendering it one 
of the best watered counties in the State ; and also affording excellent 
water power for numerous flouring and saw mills, agricultural implement 
factories, etc. ; some being of large capacity. The new courthouse is a 
model in convenience and capacity, with modern fireproof vaults. 

This section of Virginia has a mean annual temperature of fifty-eight 
degrees and the climate is pleasant arid healthful. Schools and churches 
of the various denominations are numerous and convenient; four first- 
class high schools in the county; finances excellent, with ten flourishing 
banks of the county, June 1, 1906. 

Population, census of 1900, 37,197. Increase since census of 1890, 2,773. 
Number of males twenty-one years and over, 7,948. 

Houston, the county seat, is situated on Banister river, and on • the 
Lynchburg and Durham division of the Norfolk and Western railway. It 
is a thriving town of over seven hundred inhabitants, surrounded by a 
fertile section of the county. It contains two flouring mills ; also numerous 
churches, schools, a high school, two banks, a newspaper, and a lodge of 
Masons. 

South Boston, a town of considerable importance, the largest in the 
county, containing a population of 3,000, is situated in the southern part 
of the county on the Richmond and Danville, and Norfolk and Western 
railroads, 109 miles from Richmond, in Avhat is known as the bright to- 
bacco belt of Virginia. It is well drained, healthful, and has good water, 
and a fine system of water works, an electric plant, excellent graded schools, 
numerous churches, two newspapers, and four banks with a combined 
capital and surplus of $290,000.00. It is rapidly growing as a tobacco 
center, ranking second in the leaf tobacco markets of the State; sales 
amoimting last year to sixteen million pounds. Besides its large estab- 
lishments for the manufacture of tobacco, several large stemmeries and 
prizeries, with improved machinery, have been erected of late years. 

In addition to all enumerated, this progressive town can maTie the fol- 
lowing exhibit of progress since 1901 : a cotton mill, kmiber mill, foundry, 
wagon factory, lounge factory, broom factory, table factory, show case 
factory, a handsome new hotel, sixty-four new dwellings, a fine Masonic 
temple, two large buggy factories, and an electric power on Dan river for 
manufactories, etc.- These enterprises, in connection with those already 



153 

in operation, such as wagon works, woolen mills, furniture factory etc 
make a town of considerable importance. The town is fast recovering' from' 
the great fire of 1906, and will be built better than before. 

Other towns are: Clover, population, 400; Seottsburg and Virgilina 
population 200, each having a bank. The last-named is one of the most im- 
portant copper districts in the South. There are a number of copper mines 
m operation m this section, and extensive developments are in proo-ress- 
the outlook for a large output of a high grade ore is very promising^ 

HANOVER COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1720 from New Kent, and lies in the central 
part of the fetate, between the Pamunkey and Chiekahominy rivers five 
miles north of Richmond, and contains 478 square miles. Surface is 'level 
in eastern part, and undulating in central and western. 

Soil, light sandy, or gray loam; river lands very productive and valuable 
yielding fine crops of corn, oats, and wheat, and well adapted to trucking 
bweet potatoes and melons, for which the county is noted, attain here 
their highest perfection. The higher land in the central and western por- 
tion is especially suited to the culture of tobacco and the grasses. Con- 
siderable attention is paid to fruit culture. Several large canneries for 
fruits and vegetables are in successful operation. Trucking is extensively 
and profitably carried on, and a considerable number of the farmers make 
dairying and poultrying a prominent and successful part of their occu- 
pation. Truck farming may be considered the most profitable industry 
of the county, the more valuable on account of the proximity to the Rich- 
mond City market, and others. 

This is not, strictly speaking, a stock and grazing county, but it pro- 
duces many fine blooded horses and cattle, and winter feeding of fat stock 
IS carried on successfully. 

Railroads are the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac, and the Ches- 
apeake and Ohio. 

Minerals are mica, feldspar, asbestos, phosphate of lime, and gneiss- 
also marl of several varieties and greensand are found here in large quan- 
tities, and are very profitably used on the lands. 

Timbers are oak, pine, hickory, ash, elm, and poplar. Considerable 
quantities of lumber, cross-ties and cord wood are marketed. 

The county is abundantly watered by the North and South Anna, Pa- 
munkey and Chiekahominy rivers, and their branches. Several sawmills 
are in operation, also a large fertilizer factory. 

The climate and the health of the county will compare favorably with 
any portion of Eastern Virginia, and with churches and schools it is well 
supplied. Two high schools put up within the past two years. 

Hanover, the county seat, is located on the Chesapeake and Ohio rail- 
road, in the northern part of the county. It is a small village containing 
several fraternal orders, church, public school, etc. 

Ashland, the principal town of the county, is a very attractive, growing 
town of 1,147 inhabitants, by census of 1900, showing an increase of 199 
since census of 1890. It is situated seventeen miles north of Richmond, 
on the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac railroad, with its numerous 
daily connecting trains ; and owing to its proximity to Richmond and easy 
communication, it has grown to be a favorite residence for business men 
of that city. The location is healthful, the society excellent, and it is an 
important educational center, being the seat of Randolph-Macon College, 
one of the oldest and most noted schools in the State, besides a graded 
school of a high order; and while mainly a residential town, with many 
fine homes, it has an excellent trade, and considerable business operations. 
These have been stimulated the past year by the large demand for resi- 
dences; all vacant property is now occupied by the numerous families that 



154 

have moved in, and still the demand for residences continues. Progress is 
also noted in the enlargement of the Ashland Roller Mills and the addition 
thereto of latest improved machinery, and in the construction near by of 
grist, saw, and planing mills, that are doing a flourishing business. The 
Henry Clay Iron Company has a handsome building and is an ornament 
to the tovsm. 

There are many fine estates in this county, and the farm products aggre- 
gate a large amount, besides having taken high position for qualitj^ at 
former Richmond expositions. 

The people are intelligent, enterprising, and hospitable, and extend a 
hearty welcome to immigrants, and to others who come into their midst to 
locate and avail themselves of the splendid opportunities here presented to 
capital and enterprise. 

Population of county, census of 1900, 17,618. Increase since census of 
1890, 216. Number of males twenty-one years and over, 4,024. 

This sketch would be incomplete without reference to Hanover as having 
been the birthplace of both Patrick Henry and Henry Clay, two of the most 
eminent orators and statesmen this country has ever produced. 



HENRICO COUNTY. 

Henrico was one of the original shires into which Virginia was divided 
in 1634. It is situated at the head of tidewater, on the north side of 
the James river, which divides it from Chesterfield, and south of the Chiek- 
ahominy, which separates it from Hanover. 

Its length is twenty-seven miles, mean breadth about eight miles, and it 
contains 273 square miles, the greater portion of which is in cultivation. 
The river lands are the most productive, best improved, and command the 
highest prices. The surface is undulating; the soil, varying from light 
loam to stiff clay, is susceptible of a high state of cultivation. The lands 
upon the James river are generally alluvial, of a deep chocolate color, and 
are among the best wheat lands of the State. 

The city of Richmond divides the coimty into two nearly equal parts. 
The portion lying below Richmond, on tidewater, is less improved than 
that above the city; the lands are cheaper, population less dense, and, 
consequently, a better field is offered in this section for settlers with small 
means. 

Farm products are varied and extensive, consisting principally of corn, 
oats, wheat, and tobacco; also barley and rye are raised to some extent. 
The grasses, clover and timothy, succeed well, and hay is an important 
crop. 

There are many large nurseries, orchards, and vineyards in the county, 
and considerable attention is given to this line of industry. There are also 
a number of dairy and poultry farms adjacent to the city of Richmond, 
that do a large and successful business. Market-gardening and trucking 
are very extensively carried on, and rank as perhaps the most profitable 
industries of the county. This county, with Richmond in the center, and 
four railroads traversing the county, has very superior market advantages. 
There is nothing that a farmer cannot sell at fair prices. 

Considerable attention is given to the introduction and rearing of 
blooded horses and cattle, and to the improvement of sheep for mutton and 
spring lambs. 

The county is traversed by two lines of the Chesapeake and Ohio, the 
York river division of the Southern, and the Richmond, Fredericksburg 
and Potomac railways; furnishing to all sections convenient communica- 
tion. 

The Seven Pines electric railway from Richmond to the National Ceme- 
tery, a distance of nine miles, affords accommodation to a thickly popu- 
lated and growing section. 



155 

The minerals are granite, marble, marl, potters clay and brick clay, 
greensand and coal. The coal and granite are found above tidewater, in 
the upper part of the county. The latter is in great abundance and of 
very superior quality. 

Timbers are pine, oak, ash, maple, cedar, hickory, walnut, chestnut, and 
cypress. These are quite limited in quantity; but the proximity of the 
coal and lumber yards of Richmond obviates, to a great extent, any incon- 
venience that might arise from the scarcity of fuel and timber. 

James river, on the southern border, and the Chickahominy on the north- 
ern, with their tributaries, furnish abundant water supply and drainage. 
The lower portion of the county enjoys the advantages afforded by water 
navigation on the James, and also its excellent shad, herring and sturgeon 
fisheries. 

The climate is mild and healthful, and water abundant and good. The 
only local disease is a mild type of intermittent fever, and that is chiefly 
confined to unfavorable localities. 

This county enjoys exceptional educational advantages, with its admira- 
ble public schools, and its close proximity to the high schools and col- 
leges of Richmond. Churches of all denominations are distributed over 
the county, and telephone and mail facilities are ample and convenient. 
The public roads are carefully looked after, and much improvement is 
shown in this very important particular. On account of location, social 
advantages, and in many other respects, some of which have been briefly 
alluded to, Henrico offers to home seekers superior advantages. Realizing 
the favorable opportunities presented, quite a large number or foreigners, 
chiefly Germans, have located in the county ; which is indicated to some 
extent by the largely increased population, as shown below. 

Population, census of 1900, 30,062. Increase since census of 1890, 8,056. 
Numljer of males twenty-one years and over, 7,665. 

Richmond, the county seat, and capital of the State, is situated on the 
border of the county, on the north bank of James river, at the head of 
tidewater. It is a most attractive city, having extensive commerce, trade 
and manufactories, and is the chief market of the State. A full descrip- 
tion of the city will ajDpear in a separate sketch, under the head of cities. 

Barton Heights, now a part of Richmond, is a growing and attractive 
place. Population 763. 



HENRY COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1777 from Pittsylvania, and named in honor 
of Patrick Henry. It is situated on the southern border of the State, 180 
miles southwest from Richmond. 

It is nearly a square of eighteen miles, and contains 425 square miles. 
Average price of improved lands, $10 per acre. Averaged assessed value, 
$5.25 per acre. Surface is undulating, and in parts, hilly and mountain- 
ous. One-third of the land is in cultivation. Soil, a red clay, and fer- 
tile, producing a good crop of corn, oats, rye, wheat and tobacco. The last 
is the staple crop, over 3,000,000 pounds of the finest bright quality being 
raised annually. The numerous curing tobacco barns scattered over sec- 
tions of the county give the appearance there of a continuous country vil- 
lage. The varieties of tobacco grown in Henry are noted for their superior 
quality; and quality considered, this is one of the finest tobacco counties 
in America. The soil is well adapted to the production of sweet potatoes, 
which yield largely under good cultivation. 

Grass does well in this soil, and numbers of horses, cattle and sheep of 
fine breeds are grown. One individual crop of hay last vear was valued 
at $30,000. 

Fruits of the usual kinds do well, especially apples, peaches, and grapes; 
also nectarines, apricots and figs have been grown. Dairy and garden 
products are varied and valuable. 



157 

The county is traversed from north to south and from east to west by its 
lines of railway, the Danville and Western and the Norfolk and Western, 
which furnish ready means of communication to the markets, giving impe- 
tus to its agriculture and trade. -, „ ., j. a ■ 

Limestone, mica, asbestos, granite, soapstone, and allanite, are found m 
paying quantities, and the iron ore is inexhaustible. There are also cha- 
lybeate and alum waters; but undeveloped. ^ xi o^ 4. • •+ 

This county compares favorably with other sections of the btate m its 
timber supply; the most numerous and valuable species being pme, oak, 

poplar and hickory. , i rr i i^ 

Smith and Mayo rivers, with their numerous branches, aftord an ample 
water supply, and good water power. Numerous flour mills and sawmills, 
and an agricultural implement factory, and leather factory, are located on 
these waters. There are also a number of tobacco factories m ditterent 
portions of the county, that are doing a large and successful business 

The climate is salubrious, with comparatively mild winters and pleas- 
ant summers; health good, with no section of the State freer from malaria; 
water excellent, with perennial streams of fine freestone water in all parts 
of the county; churches and schools numerous and convenient. 

Population, census of 1900, 19,265. Increase since census of 1890, 1,057. 
Number males twenty-one years and over, 4,020. 

Martinsville, the county seat, located on the Danville and Western rai - 
road, at its intersection with the Winston-Salem division of the Norfolk 
and Western railroad, is an enterprising business town of 2,384 inhabi- 
tants, census of 1900. Its growth has been phenomenal since the comple- 
tion of its several lines of railway. It has water works, electric plant, 
paved streets, iron foundries, machine shops, saw, corn and wheat mils, 
numerous churches, schools and fraternal orders, newspapers, two banks 
one a national, and a large number of successful business houses of all 
kinds But Martinsville's most important enterprise, however, is manu- 
facturing tobacco and handling the leaf; indeed, it may be termed strictly 
a tobacco town, with its eighteen tobacco factories, employing over two 
thousand hands and manufacturing eight million pounds annually; and its 
two large warehouses for the sale of leaf tobacco, at which six nuHion 
pounds were sold last year. Its volume of business is indicated by the fact 
that the internal revenue tax on plug tobacco was much greater at this 
place last year, than at any other place in the State, amounting here to 
$500 000 Situated in the heart of the county, and surrounded by a rich 
tobacco section, it possesses all the elements essential to prosperity and 
growth in this line. ., , j.-, ^ tvt 

Rido-eway, situated on the Norfolk and Western railroad south of Mar- 
tinsvifle, is a village of some importance, and has a population, census of 

1900, of 332. , ^ ^ X, -NT * u 

Bassett is also a thriving place of 200 population, located on the Norfolk 
and Western railroad, eight miles west of Martinsville. It has a large 
furniture factory and a stove factory, employing seventy-five hands, and 
several large stores, and one bank. . , ., . , , ■, 

This county is showing considerable progress, and with its rich lands 
suited to all species of agriculture, from planting to stock raising, and 
with its favorable climate and location, it is destined to still greater 
growth, which will be largely accentuated by the building of the Mount 
Rogers and Eastern railroad now in contemplation. There are now four 
high schools in the county; numerous manufactories are springing up all 
over the county— American Furniture Company, Henry Coimty Canning 
Company, at Martinsville; Pittsburg Mica Company, Ridgeway; Gravely 
& Gravely Woodworking Plant (locust and oak) ; G. F. Lester Hardwood 
Working Plant, and a number of smaller ones have been established withm 
the past year or two. 



159 

HIGHLAND COUNTY. 

Highland county, formed in 1847 from Bath and Pendleton counties, is 
northwest from Richmond about 150 miles. 

It is nearly a square of about twenty miles each way, and contains 407 
square miles. The surface is mountainous with very" fertile valleys be- 
tween, the best of which will bring $100.00 per acre, and in some instances 
more. The mountains furnish fine range for young stock and sheep, upon 
which they grow and thrive well. About one-fourth of the land is in cul- 
tivation. The soil is mainly limestone. 

Farm products are wheat, corn, oats, rye, buckwheat, butter, honey, 
cheese, dried fruits, and maple sugar, leading the State in the last product, 
and fourth in buckwheat. The western portion of the county produces 
abundant portions of grass and hay wherever cleared; blue grass not in- 
ferior to that of the best lands of Kentucky, being indigenous to this soil. 
The grazing quality of the land can hardly be surpassed in the State; 
some of the best cattle marketed east and north are fattened in this county 
and taken right off the grass, no corn feeding needed, and large numbers 
are sold each year, some for the export trade. It is also splendidly adapt- 
ed to sheep, large numbers of which are grown. Apples, pears, peaches, 
and all fruits suited to this latitude, can, with proper care and attention, 
be grown in this county. Agriculture, combined with stock growing and 
grazing are the most profitable industries. 

There is no railroad in the county, though one or more are now in pro- 
cess of location. The nearest railroad station is Barton, on the west side 
of the Alleghany mountains, fifteen miles. A branch of the Chesapeake and 
Ohio railroad from Ronceverte to Elkins, West Virginia, passes near the 
western border of Highland, and is of inestimable value to the transpor- 
tation facilities of the people, both freight and passenger. 

Transportation is confined mainly to wagoning on the Staunton and Par- 
kersburg turnpike eastward to Staunton, and from southern part of the 
county to the Hot Springs and Millsboro. 

Iron, coal, and marble are known to exist in abundance in the county; 
and probably other valuable minerals will be found when access to the mar- 
ket will justify more extended explorations. 

Another of the splendid natural resources of the county awaiting con- 
venient transportation facilities is the timber, large quantities of the most 
valuable of which are to be found; such as walnut, cherrj^, oak, poplar, 
linden, and other species. 

The numerous streams forming the head waters of the Potomac and 
the James rivers have their source in this elevated watershed of the two 
rivers, and furnish an abundant water supply, and excellent water power, 
•besides abounding in fish of the choicest fresh water varieties. 

Manufactories consist of two sash and door factories, which also dress 
large quantities of lumber for building and other purposes; several fine 
flouring mills, equipped with modern machinery, and a large number of 
sawmills. 

A fine mineral spring, which is gaining prominence on account of its 
curative properties and pleasant bathing, is situated in the southern part 
of the county. 

The climate is healthful and invigorating ; delightful in summer, moderate 
in winter for the altitude, and free from destructive wind storms. Water 
in the greater part of the county is exceptionally fine. It is well supplied 
with churches and schools — an academy at McDowell, and graded schools 
at Monterey and Doe Hill. Nearly all the principal neighborhoods of 
the county have telephone communication with the outside world, and most 
of the postofiices have daily mail. Progress is being made along all lines, 
especially in agriculture, horticulture, and stock raising; and farmers are 
supplying themselves liberally with improved machinery for agricultural 
purposes. This county is gradually coming to the front. A great deal of 



160 

residential and other building is steadily going on. The people are genial 
and hospitable, and there is no place where a living can be more easily 
made, and where the people enjoy more the comforts of life. 

jt*opulation of county, census of 1900, 5,647. Increase since census of 
1890, 295. Number of males twenty-one years and over, 1,335. 

Monterey, the county seat, is located in the central portion of the county, 
forty-six miles from Staunton on the Staunton and Parkersburg turnpike. 
It is a very pretty, busy little town of 246 inhabitants, and each year new 
buildings are being erected. During the past year two steam factories 
were built for the manufacture of lumber for building purposes — sash, doors, 
etc. — and it contains, besides, two wagon factories, a furniture factory, 
newspaper, and several public schools and fraternal orders. 

McDowell, nine miles southeast of Monterey, is a flourishing village of 
136 inhabitants, and shows considerable improvement in the last few years. 

New Hampden is another village, nine miles from the courthouse, in 
Crabbottom, a famous blue grass valley; and Doe Hill, another, in the 
northern part of the county. 



ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY. 

This county was one of the original shires into which Virginia was divid- 
ed in 1634. It is situated on the south side of the lower James river, 98 
miles southeast of Richmond, but only 50 miles air line; and extends from 
the James river, its northern boundary, to within eight miles of the North 
Carolina line. 

It is thirty-five miles long, with a mean width of about ten miles, and 
contains an area of 352 square miles. The surface is generally level, the 
soil from gray medium to light sandy loam, easily tilled and productive. 

Farm products are corn, oats, peanuts, and potatoes. All the large and 
small fruits, melons and vegetables, find here a soil and climate admirably 
adapted to their growth and perfection. Large quantities of these are 
shipped from this county to the northern cities. 

Poultry succeeds well, embracing everything from the turkey to the guinea 
fowl; and game is abundant; the streams furnishing geese, ducks, swans, 
and other water fowls ; the swamps, sora, woodcock, and snipe. The fish 
and oyster industry is large and valuable; large quantities of fish are taken 
in the spring and shipped to northern markets. Trucking is extensively 
engaged in, especially in the eastern portion of the county. This industry, 
its fisheries, and its peanut crop, constitute the most important productions 
of the county. Of stock raised, hogs are the most important, of which it 
produces a considerable number. The Smithfield Hams have a world-wide 
reputation. 

Market advantages are exceptionally good, both by water and by rail. 
Water transportation is furnished by the Old Dominion Steamship Com- 
pany, and by sailing vessels that ply in the numerous inland streams, al- 
most to their very source. Railroads are the Norfolk and Western, the Sea- 
board Air Line, and the Atlantic Coast Line, which traverse almost all 
sections. These roads, together with the navigable waters, place all parts 
of the county within easy and quick communication with the markets of 
the whole country. 

This county has valuable and extensive deposits of marl, which is used 
widely, particularly for peanut culture and for clover. 

The timber supply is very good, consisting of the usual varieties. Con- 
siderable quantities of pine, cypress, juniper, gum, etc., are sold in the 
Norfolk and Portsmouth markets. 

Ample drainage and water supply is afforded by the James river on the 
northeast border, the Blackwater on the southern, and their numerous 
tributaries flowing from the center ; these aff'ord a sufficiency of water power 
in every neighborhood for saw and grist mills. The climate is mild, salu- 



161 

brious, and not subject to rapid variations of temperature; health as good 
as any portion of tidewater; water abundant, from never-failing springs 
of freestone, fresh and pure. 

The coimty is well supplied with churches of the various denominations. 
One of the most interesting relics of the past, especially to the antiquarian, 
is St. Luke's church, which stands in the forest five miles from Smith- 
field. Built by European hands in 1632, it is perhaps the oldest church 
in Virginia, and said to be the oldest in America. Educational advantages 
are very favorable, consisting of two academies of high grade, and a good 
system of public schools. Telephone service is excellent; every village 
connecting, and many private telephones. Mail facilities are all that could 
be desired, and the "^financial condition is good. In progress and general 
advancement there has been marked improvement in this county within 
the last decade. 

Population, census of 1900, 13,102. Increase since census of 1890, 1,789. 
Number of males tM^enty-one years and over, 3,200. 

Isle of Wight, the county seat, is an inland country village of about fifty 
inhabitants, located near the center of the county, about eight miles from 
Windsor and seven from Smithfield; its nearest markets, Sufi'olk and 
Norfolk. Windsor station is also a town of some importance on the Norfolk 
and Western railroad. 

Smithfield is, however, the largest town and shipping point. in the county. 
It is situated at the confluence of Cypress and Pagan creeks, four miles 
from James river, with navigable water to the town. It was an important 
trading post long before it was incorporated in 1752. It has a population, 
census of 1900, of 1,225; an increase of 334 since census of 1890; while 
at present, it would number about 1,800. It has two banks, fifty stores, 
factories, churches, schools, and all the industries that accompany a busy 
town. 

Smithfield is known first of all for its celebrated hams, which have been 
on the market over a hundred years; and now, each year, there are packed 
and shipped from here about ninety thousand of the finest hams that are 
known to the world, some of which are shipped to Europe. However, the 
main enterprise of the town is the peanut business, employing large numbers 
of hands at its factories, that are said to be the largest in the State, and 
probably. in the world. There are, on an average, at least eighteen hundred 
bags of factory hand-picked and cleaned peanuts shipped from here daily, 
the business having increased so much in the past few years, that for five 
years there have been two daily steamers required to transport them from 

this place. * j.i • 

Besides steamers, manv sailing vessels are employed m the trade ot this 
place, which embraces the shipment of a large amount of lumber, potatoes, 
fruit, eggs, fiour, oysters, and fish; also a large trade in cattle, sheep, farm 
products, truck, etc. 

During the past lew vears there were several new business houses erected, 
and at feast fiftv new "residences, many of which are very handsome and 
costlv; an ice plant, water works, and a large and well-equipped gas plant. 



JAMES CITY COUNTY. 

This countv was one of the original shires into which Virginia was di- 
vided in 1634; and here, at Jamestown, 1607, was the first settlement by 
the Eno-lish in this country. The principal portion of the county lies along 
the north side of the lower James river; one portion extending across the 
peninsula to the York river on the northwest. It is distant from Puchmond 
fortv-flve miles, and contains an area of 160 square miles. _ 

The surface is generally level, with comparatively a small per cent, m 
cultivation; soil, silicious with a mixture of clay, and naturally fertile. 

Farm products are wheat, corn, oats, peanuts, and potatoes. Grass suc- 
ceeds fairly well, especially clover. All the fruits common to this latitude 

6 



162 

are successfully cultivated; also melons, truck, etc. Trucking is exten- 
sively carried on, and is one of the profitable industries of the county. 

Game is abundant in field, forest and stream, and the sportsman could 
not find a more inviting country. Those of the rural population not en- 
gaged in the cultivation of the soil, are employed in oystering and fishing; 
and these latter may be considered the most profitable industries of the 
county. Fish of all the valuable species are very abundant in all the wa- 
ters ; and from York river, oysters of fine size and quality are obtained. 
These industries give employment to a large number of men, and afford 
desirable articles of food for the inhabitants. In stock, sheep do very well. 

Market advantages, by rail or water, are ample and convenient. Trans- 
portation facilities are very convenient to every section; with steam and 
sail vessels on the James and York rivers on either side, and the Chesapeake 
and Ohio railroad passing through the center from east to west. 

Marl is found of good quality, and in large quantity, also fine brick and 
other clays. 

The timber of the county has been exhausted to a considerable extent; 
yet there still remains some valuable pine and a fair supply of hardwoods, 
such as oak, hickory and maple. Sawmills and grist mills, in sufficient 
numbers to meet the demands, are distributed over the county; one barrel 
factory and one knitting mill. 

The climate is equable, the temperature being so equalized by surround- 
ing large bodies of water that the extremes in summer and winter are 
avoided. Health is unsurpassed; and water supplied from artesian and or- 
dinary wells is very good. Churches are numerous, representing the differ- 
ent Protestant denominations. Public schools are reasonably convenient to 
all parts of the county. Telephone service is ample, both local and long- 
distance, and mail facilities are good. Progress and advancement has been 
general and rapid. The financial condition is excellent. There are four 
banks in the county. , 

Population, including the City of Williamsburg, census of 1900, 5,732. 
Number of males twenty-one years and over, 1,517. 

Williamsburg, the county seat, is located on the Chesapeake and Ohio 
railroad, in the southern portion of the county, about midway between the 
York and the James rivers; and is the oldest incorporated city in the State, 
having been settled in 1632. In 1698 the seat of government was moved 
from Jamestown to Williamsburg, and it continued the capital until 1779, 
when it was removed to Richmond. 

Williamsburg was once the center of the wealth, fashion and learning 
of the Old Dominion; the infiuence of which has left its impress, not only 
upon the inhabitants of the city and surrounding country, but upon the 
State at large, in the men of State and national reputation that have gone 
out from its ancient seat of learning. William and Mary College, which 
is located here, and is the oldest collegiate institute in the United States — 
with the exception of Harvard College — was founded in 1693, and dates 
from the time of England's sovereigns, William and Mary, who contributed 
to its endowment, and for whom it was named. This institution has been 
three times destroyed by fire; the last time by the Federal soldiers during 
the late war; but it was rebuilt by private subscription, and is still doing 
a noble work. The Eastern Lunatic Asylum, founded in 1773, is also lo- 
cated here. It is a State institution containing a large number of patients 
and now in full tide of activity. There are numerous churches, the most 
noted of which is Bruton Parish church, which contains the fount from 
which Pocahontas was baptized; also several fraternal orders; a prosperous 
high school, and several public and private schools. Under the head of 
"Cities," will be found a more detailed account of this historic place. 

Other towns of the county are Toano and Green Spring. At the former, 
a large flouring mill and a sawmill have been erected, and trucking is ex- 
tensively carried on in the vicinity. At Green Spring, a large lumber plant 



163 

is in operation, turning out daily many thousand feet of fine lumber be- 
sides a great deal of the finished product. ' 

In this county are some noted points and relics of antiquity. Of the 
former, nothing possesses more interest than Jamestown, which was settled, 
May 13, 1607, by Captain John Smith and his companions. Of this deeply 
mterestmg spot, little had remained but a churchyard and the ruins of an 
old church till recently, when in preparation for the Jamestown tri- 
centennial a handsome new church and hotel have been built. Another 
curious relic of the past is the old stone house, on Ware creek, a tributary 
of the York, which is supposed to have been built by Captain John Smith 
This county was the scene of two battles fought during the Revolution- 
the first June 25, 1781, at Spencer's Ordinary; the other near Green Sprino-' 
once the elegant home of Sir William Berkeley. It also felt the shock of 
battle at Fort Magrnder during the late war. May 4 and 5, 1862. 



KING AND QUEEN COUNTY. 

King and Queen county was formed in 1691 from New Kent, during the 
reign of William and Mary, on account of which it takes its name. This 
is an eastern county, thirty miles northeast from Richmond; it lies be- 
tween the Mattapony and Piankatank rivers, and is about sixty miles long 
by ten miles wide; area 336 square miles. 

Surface along the river is level; the back county undulating and some- 
times hilly; about thirty per cent, in cultivation; soil, gray and chocolate 
loam, and variable in quality and productiveness. Some lands are heavy 
and stiff; others light. The river lands, which constitute a large part of 
the area, are very productive; and the extensive beds of marl found here 
furnish ready and permanent means of improvement. 

Farm products are corn, wheat, oats, rye and hay. Some of the light 
lands produce profitable crops of peas, which are also used as a fallow crop 
Some good tobacco is raised in the upper portion of the county, and its 
cultivation is gradually extending. Many of the farmers grow good crops 
of clover, timothy, and orchard grass hay; and stock for domestic use is 
raised. Sheep husbandry is especially profitable. Fruits and vegetables 
are in great variety and abundance. The adaptability of the soil and con- 
venient water transportation are rapidly developing fruit culture and truck 
for markets, especially Irish and sweet potatoes, to which the lands seem 
specially adapted. These may very profitably be classed as among the 
most profitable industries of the county. 

Fish also, principally shad and herring, constitute a large item in the 
production and exports of the county, and in the lower parts of the county 
on York river, large quantities of the best of oysters are caught, and the 
business is so profitable as often to engage the attention of the people of 
that section to the neglect of their agricultural interests. 

There is only one railroad in the county, namely, the Southern to West 
Point; but this necessity is supplied by convenient and economical water 
transportation on its two rivers, the Mattapony and Piankatank, which also 
afford ample drainage and water supply. 

Timber is abundant, and consists of the usual varieties, such as pine 
oak, hickory, walnut, beech, ash, poplar, etc. There is considerable trade 
in lumber, also m cord wood and railroad ties. Quite a lucrative business 
IS carried on in sumac leaves, which find a ready market at good prices 

The county is amply supplied with grain mills for all domestic purposes. 

Climate is mild, enabling the farmer to engage in outdoor work the year 
round; health good, with no disease peculiar to this locality except occa- 
sional chills and fever. The county is well supplied with public schools 
and numerous churches of the different denominations. 

Population, census of 1900, 9,265. Number of males twenty-one vears 
and over, 1.924. 



165 

Kino- and Queen, the county seat, is located in the southern part of the 
county, near the 'Mattaponv river. It is a small country village of about 
fxfty inhabitants, and has a mill, church, and several machine shops. Its 
nearest market is Richmond. o • ^ • 

There is much to recommend this county to the home seeker, bociety is 
good; the people are educated, refined and religious; and there are few 
sections in which the people live more easily and enjoy a higher standard 
of comfort, than here in the tidewater section of Virginia. The forests 
furnish game, the rivers the finest of fish, and the land nearly everythmg 
else necessary for comfortable subsistence. 

In addition to what has been said of the trucking interests of Kmg and 
Queen county, it is worthy of note that there are in successful operation 
a cannery at Mantapike, and a pickle factory at Walkerton, besides several 
brineries in difi"erent parts of the county. Large quantities of tomatoes 
and English peas are produced for the former, as well as small fruits and 
berries ; and for the latter, cucumbers, melons and gherkins. 

There are a number of villages through the length of the county, namely, 
Newtown, Owenton, Indian Neck, Biscoe, Saint Stephens, Walkerton, Ste- 
vensville, Cumnor, Little Plymouth, Centreville, Buena Vista, and Plam- 

view. . - , 

Telephone lines have been partially installed, and are now in successful 
operation, with one or more other lines projected. 



KING GEORGE COUNTY. 

Kino- George county was formed in 1720 from Richmond county. It lies 
in the*' northeastern portion of the State, forty-five miles from Richmond, 
and forms a part of the peninsula known as the Northern Neck. It is 
bordered on the north bv the Potomac river, which separates it from the 
State of Maryland ; and" on the south by the Rappahannock river, which 
forms the boundary between it and Caroline and Essex; with Westmore- 
land and the Potomac on the east, and Stafford on the west; and contains 
an area of 183 square miles. i • • 

A rather small proportion (about twenty per cent.) of the land is in 
cultivation. The surface is rolling; lands generally good, especially on the 
rivers, and easily cultivated. ^ u- i 

Farm products are corn, wheat, tobacco, rye, oats, and potatoes, of whicn 
considerable quantities are produced. Commercial fertilizers are generally 
used Fruits of all kinds yield and pay well in this section, small fruits, 
grapes, and oerries, receiving increased attention. The production of truck 
and vegetables is vearlv increasing, the rich river lands being especially 
adapted to their production. Stock succeeds finely, especially sheep; ow- 
ino- to the mild climate, very little provender is required for them. 

This county has no railroads, but this deficiency is amply supplied by 
its splendid water navigation. With the Potomac on its northern border, 
and the Rappahannock on its southern, it has a frontage of twenty miles 
on each river at convenient points, upon which steamers and sail vessels 
touch for freight and passengers to and from Fredericksburg, Alexandria, 
Washington, Norfolk and Baltimore. Besides the valuable transportation 
facilities afforded by these streams, they furnish large resources m fish, 
oysters and wild fowl; the first ranking as one of the most important in- 
dustries of the county. 

Marl of various kinds is found in abundance, and has been successfully 
used for many years as a fertilizer. . , ^. , ,, ^ 

A very small proportion of the county is in original timber, the greater 
portion yet remaining being on the water courses. 

There are grain mills sufficient for the needs of the people; mercantile 
establishments are numerous; good telephone service from Fredericksburg 



166 

through the county; a large number of churches of the various denomina- 
tions, and several tomato canneries. 

Population, census of 1900, 6,918. Increase since census of 1890, 277. 
Number of males twenty-one years and over, 1,541. 

King George, the county seat, is a small village of about thirty inhabi- 
tants, located in the central part of the county. It has a school, churches, 
and fraternal order. 

The means -of plenteous, and even luxurious, living are abundant in this 
county; and, with its fine natural advantages, and low-priced lands, 
it offers splendid inducements for investment or a home. There are some 
large and valuable estates in the county, and when for sale, they can be 
bought for much less than their intrinsic value. 



KING WILLIAM COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1701 from King and Queen; and is situated 
twenty miles northeast from Richmond, on a narrow peninsula between the 
Mattapony and Pamunkey rivers, which unite at West Point to form the 
York. It is thirty miles long with an average of about eight miles in 
width, and contains an area of 246 square miles. 

The lands are now being offered at a very low price, which will not con- 
tinue any great length of time, as present prices are attracting investors 
from the north and west. 

The surface is level on the rivers; otherwise rolling. About forty per 
cent, of the land is under cultivation; the soil generally light chocolate, 
with clay subsoil, and very productive, especially on and near the rivers. 

Farm products are corn, wheat, tobacco, oats, peanuts, peas, potatoes, 
etc. Clover, timothy, millet, alfalfa, and other hay crops do well, and hay 
may be considered one of the staple products of the county. Fruits of 
all varieties are grown, and melons and early vegetables are quite profitable. 
Trucking, especially in the lower end of the county, is one of its chief occu- 
pations; and is found very profitable, owing to easy and quick marketing 
facilities. 

In this portion of the county the fish and oyster industry is a very im- 
portant and profitaole one. All the choice varieties of fish, such as shad, 
herring, rock, trout, etc., are supplied by the Mattapony and Pamunkey 
rivers, which bound two sides of the county. Water fowls are also abun- 
dant; and poultry does well and is profitable, especially for- the early 
market. Stock raising is very successfully engaged in on the large farms, 
especially those on the Mattapony and Pamunkey rivers, which are well 
adapted to this industry. 

This county has good shipping facilities, and market advantages,' by rail 
or water; with tlie York river branch of the Southern railway, and with 
steamers and sail vessels traversing both rivers. Regular lines ply between 
West Point and Baltimore and Norfolk, by way of York river. 

Large deposits of marl are found in many sections, which has been used 
with much benefit to the soil. The greensand along the Pamunkey is one 
of nature's best restorers, producing splendid results wherever applied, and 
large quantities are shipped on the river. 

About- ten per cent, of the area is in original timber, and consists of yel- 
low pine, oak, hickory, poplar, chestnut, beech, ash, and some walnut. It 
is utilized for cord wood, for staves, and for lumber. 

Abundant water and drainage are furnished by the Mattapony and Pa- 
munkey and their tributaries. Manufactories located in diff"erent parts of 
the county are corn and flour mills, sawmills, planing mills, veneering mills, 
pickling industries. Several large oyster houses are found here, and 
also a large banking company. Most of the above are new enterprises re- 
cently established. 



167 

The climate is mild in winter and pleasant in summer; the health of the 
county will compare favorably with other sections of the State; water is 
good and abundant; churches numerous and of nearly all denominations; 
schools are conveniently situated all over the county, and in successful 
operation; county roads are being rapidly improved with road machinery, 
and a systematic plan of working; telephone service is good, both local and 
long distance; mail facilities ample; taxes are light and assessments low; 
financial condition excellent, with healthy surplus; and in farm products 
and industries this county is exhibiting considerable progress. 

Population, census of 1900, 8,380. Number of males twenty-one years 
and over, 1,825. 

King William, the county seat, is twenty-seven miles northeast from 
Eichmond, and two miles from the Mattapony river. It is a small country 
village, with a public school and church. 

The chief town of the county is West Point, situated at the extreme 
southeast portion of the county, at the confluence of the Mattapony and the 
Pamunkey, and at the terminus of the York river division of the Southern 
railway. It is an enterprising town of 1,307 inhabitants, census of 1900, 
and located on deep water navigation at the head of York river, has the 
best of harbors, with water of sufficient depth for the largest ocean steam- 
ers, and with extensive wharves, where ships are regularly loaded with cot- 
ton, flour, lumber, etc., for Europe and South America. There are also 
several large lines of steamers from this point to New York, Boston, and 
Baltimore, and a weekly line to the head of navigation on the Mattapony 
river. West Point suffered a considerable loss last fall in the burning of the 
cellulose factory located at that place; but in spite of this misfortune it has 
gone steadily forward, and is now on a firmer basis than it has been for 
many years. The large pickling establishment and the woodworking fac- 
tory located here are actively employed; and the oyster business is con- 
stantly increasing. Improvements have been going on at Beach Park, and 
much will be done to make it an attractive summer resort. There is not 
a vacant house in the town for rent, though there is a great demand for 
them. 



LANCASTER COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1651 from Northumberland, and is located 
in the northeastern part of the State, on the north bank of the Rappahan- 
nock river, and on the Chesapeake bay, fifty miles from Norfolk, and sixty 
miles, air line, from Richmond. 

It contains an area of 137 square miles — 80,486 acres, 885 farms. Aver- 
age size farms, sixty acres; farm lands from averaged assessed value $8.00 
per acre. 

Surface is mostly level, but in some parts rolling; soil a sandy loam, 
with clay subsoil, and is easily improved with clover and peas and the judi- 
cious use of fertilizers. Farm products are wheat, corn, oats, peas, pota- 
toes, varied trucks and grasses ; of which trucking is the most important 
and profitable, owing to cheap transportation rates ; but some of the lands 
produce fine crops of corn and wheat. Fruits of all kinds are abundant, 
and early fruits and berries are especially profitable, owing to proximity 
to Baltimore, Washington, and other markets. The most important source 
of profit and support to the people is the fish and oyster interest, and this 
industry is attracting to the county considerable numbers of settlers from 
other counties of the State, and from other States. As one of the counties 
of that isolated peninsula known as the Northern Neck of Virginia, there 
are no railroads; but water transportation facilities are excellent and 
cheap, with steamers plying between Baltimore, Norfolk and Fredericks- 
burg, which touch at the various landings in the county. In recent years 
the introduction of naphtha and gasolene boats has brought this section 



168 

into closer communication with the rest of the State, and made mail facil- 
ities among the best. 

Live stock of the county consist of horses, cattle, sheep, and hogs; all 
of which are raised to some extent ; but poultry raising is perhaps attract- 
ing most attention on account of easy access to market and the great de- 
mand for eggs in the northern markets. Wild water fowls and rabbits are 
also shipped in great quantities from this section. 

Timbers are oak, hickory, chestnut, dogwood, poplar, pine, and holly, of 
which a considerable amount is shipped; also a large quantity of cord- 
wood. 

Ample water supply and drainage are furnished by the numerous creeks, 
tributaries of the Rappahannock river, and Chesapeake bay, from the inte- 
rior of the county. Manufactories and enterprises are a large number of 
grist mills, sawmills, fruit and vegetable canneries, fish factories, manufac- 
turing guano and oil, and numerous oyster packers, shipping the raw oys- 
ters on ice to northern and western cities. 

The climate is mild, health good; the county remarkably free of low and 
swampy places; water clear and pure, from artesian wells, ordinary wells, 
and springs; churches are numerous and conveniently located; educational 
advantages consist of public schools, and the Chesapeake Academy, a large 
preparatory school of high curriculum. Telephone facilities are ample, con- 
necting with telegraph at Fredericksburg; and financial condition of the 
county excellent. In progress and general advancement conditions are very 
encouraging. 

Population, census of 1900, 8,949. Increase since census of 1890, 1,758. 
Number of males twenty-one years and over, 2,192. 

Lancaster, the county seat, is located in the northern part of the county. 
It has a population of about seventy-five, a church, and a public and 
private school. 

Other towns are Whfealton, in the western end of the county; Kilmar- 
nock, in the central part; and Irvington and Whitestone near the mouth of 
the Rappahannock. Irvington has a population of 1,100, probably the 
largest town between Fredericksburg and the Chesapeake bay. Here are 
located an academy, churches, public schools, canneries, fish factory, a 
national bank, home office of a fire association, and the only newspaper in 
that section. The Virginia Citizen. 



LEE COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1792 from Russell and named in honor of 
Henry Lee, then Governor of Virginia. It lies on the southeastern slope of 
the Cumberland mountains, in the extreme southwest corner of the State, 
450 miles from Richmond; having Kentucky on the north and west, Ten- 
nessee on the south, Scott and Wise counties in the east, and is marked 
at its extreme western limit by the widely known Cumberland Gap. 

The county is sixty miles in length, by seventeen in breadth, and contains 
an area of 433 square miles. Undeveloped lands may be had from $5 to 
$10 per acre. Average assessed value, $4 per acre. 

The surface is hilly, and some parts mountainous, especially the western 
part, but the mountains are generally rich to the top. The soil is limestone 
and sandstone, and while a large proportion of the county is very fertile and 
productive, the two principal valleys in the eastern part are especially noted 
in this respect. About one-half of the area of the county is in cultivation, 
and produces abundant crops of corn, wheat, oats, rye, potatoes, hay, etc. 
Some attention is also paid to the cultivation of tobacco of fine grades. 
Average yield of corn, twenty-five bushels per acre; best crops are from 
fifty to seventy-five bushels per acre. Wheat yields six to thirty bushels 
per acre. 



169 

This is a fine grass county for both the cultivated grasses and the indig- 
enous blue grass, especially in the eastern portion. The broad and beau- 
tiful valleys in this section which have been for many years cultivated in 
corn, have been principally converted into grazing lands; and the county is 
now rapidly coming to the front in the production of horses, sheep and 
cattle, having an annual surplus of 6,000 sheep and 5,000 cattle, the great 
proportion being stock cattle. This county has also ranked among the 
first in the State in the production of hogs. Considerable attention is be- 
ing paid to the cultivation of fruit, having at least 2,500 acres in orchards 
of the various varieties. Fruit growing and stock raising rank as the most 
profitable industries of the count}^ 

The Louisville and Nashville railroad extends through the entire length 
of the county, afl^ording excellent railroad facilities. The Virginia and 
Southwestern, also, extends through a small portion of the county. 

Lee is well watered by Powell's river and its tributaries. In the south- 
eastern and eastern corners, Black Water and Wild Cat creeks flow through 
small sections of the county. These streams offer a large number of fine 
water powers, affording from 60 to 250 cubic feet of water per second. 
Powell's river towards its lower end, in the county, is navigable through 
the winter months for bateaux, and furnishes transportation for large quan- 
tities of grain and forest products, 50,000 bushels of wheat being shipped 
in this way during the winter season. This method of transportation, how- 
ever, has been largely superseded by railroads. 

This county is rich in minerals ; such as iron, coal, lead, zinc, lime- 
stone, barytes, kaolin ; but the most important are the iron and coal, which 
with proper development, will be a source of vast wealth to the county. 
To an almost unlimited extent of fossil red iron ores, are added extensive 
deposits of brown ores, and of coals. It contains some of the finest known 
veins of bituminous, splint and cannel coal. There are also mineral waters 
— chalybeate, white, red, and black sulphur — but not important to any 
great extent. 

This county is not surpassed in the extent of its timber products; and 
with increased transportation facilities, this will form one of its most im- 
portant resources. There are large quantities of oak, poplar, walnut, 
cherry, ash, cedar, beech, chestnut, hickory, dogwood, maple, etc. The 
seemingly boimdless forests stretch unbroken for miles. The lower portion 
of the county is noted for the extent and size of its cedar timber. Manu- 
factories consist of sawmills, and four fine flouring mills. 

Some of the caves of this county, especially in the great limestone belt 
of Powell's valley, are worthy of notice, as among the most marvellous in 
the world for their great extent and wonderful beauty. One, King Solo- 
mon's, a few miles from Jonesville, tne county seat, is said to rival the 
Mammoth Cave in extent, and to excel the Luray in gorgeous splendor of 
decoration. 

Climate is mild; summers not oppressive, winters not severe; health, ex- 
cellent; water the best, freestone and limestone. It is well supplied with 
churches of the various .denominations. Educational advantages consist of 
a large number of public free schools, which run six months in the year, 
and several high schools. The county is almost a network of telephone 
lines, and mail facilities are good. Progress and general advancement in 
the caunty is shown in the steady improvement of the lands and buildings 
and in improved methods of farming, with introduction of farm machinery. 
Financial conditions also are favorable, the county being out of debt with 
some surplus. 

Population, census of 1900, 19,856. Increase since census of 1890, 1,640. 
Number of males twenty-one j'ears and over, 4,163. 

Nature has left nothing undone to stamp the area covered by Lee county 
as one of its most favored localities; and, with all its splendid natural ad- 
vantages, it must excite surprise that no more strenuous efforts have been 



in 

made heretofore to open them up to commerce. Could it now have the 
number of furnaces and mining and timbering stations of which it is capa- 
ble, it would rank as one of the foremost counties west of the Blue Ridge ; 
and the only conditions wanting are capital, enterprise, and accessibility 
to market. 

Jonesville, the county seat, is a thriving village of six hundred inhabi- 
tants, located about the middle of the county, within four miles of Ben 
Hur station on the Louisville and Nashville railroad; and is a center of 
trade for the valuable farming sections which surround it ; it has 
numerous stores of general merchandise, saw and planing mills, flour mills, 
tannery and buggy factory. 

Pennington Gap, a new town, is the largest town of the county, popula- 
tion about 1,000. 



LOUDOUN COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1757 from Fairfax. It is the northernmost 
of the Piedmont counties, 100 miles north of Richmond, and lies on the 
eastern slope of the Blue Ridge mountains. 

It contains an area of 519 square miles. Average size farms 160 acres. 
Loudoun's real estate value exceeds that of almost any county in the State, 
aggregating about $7,000,000. The surface is varied, with mountains, 
gently sloping hills and broad valleys. About sixty per cent, of the land 
is under cultivation, of which the greater part is exceedingly fertile; soil, 
clay and loam,, with some sand. 

Farm products are wheat, corn, rye, oats, hay, etc. Average yield of 
wheat is about twenty bushels, and of corn, thirty-five bushels per acre; 
though fifty and sixty bushels of the latter are not an unusual yield. This 
county takes first rank in the production of corn, and third in amount of 
wheat and grass raised in the State. Bluegrass also is indigenous here, 
rivaling the best bluegrass lands of Kentucky. 

Much attention is paid to improved breeds of horses, cattle, sheep and 
hogs; and large numbers of sheep and cattle are grazed annually. This 
county stands first in its wool clip, and third in the number of horses 
raised, of which there are many blooded, with fine records. Loudoun ranks 
first in the number of her milch cows, and the amount of butter made; 
and large quantities of milk and cream are shipped daily to Washington. 

Fruits of the various kinds grow in great abundance, and bring heavy 
returns when properly attended to. The county also ranks high in this 
industry. This is strictly an agricultural county, grain and stock raising 
being the chief interests; and it is probably not exceeded in the State for 
good farming. Markets are Baltimore, Washington, Georgetown and Alex- 
andria, which are convenient and accessible. 

The Washington and Ohio division of the Southern railway traverses 
the central portion of the county from east to west, and furnishes an out- 
let for the products of this splendid county. 

Minerals are iron, copper, soapstone, hydraulic lime and marble; the. 
latter, especially, is very fine. Timber is abundant, consisting principally 
of oak, hickory, walnut and chestnut. 

This county is well watered by the Potomac, which skirts its entire north- 
ern border, and its numerous tributaries ; which also furnish fine water- 
power, if properly utilized. Manufactories consist principally of flour- 
mills and some woodworking industries. Two flour-mills have been erected 
within the last two years. 

The climate is pleasant and rather more genial than other sections of the 
same latitude, being on the eastern and southern slope of the Blue Ridge, 
and protected by it. The health of the county is good, and the water, from 
springs and wells, of excellent quality, and abundant. Farm lands are ex- 
ceedingly well watered, it being a rare occurrence that a farm is found 



173 

which has not running water in every field. Churches of the various de- 
nominations are numerous; a good public school system exists, and some 
higher grade schools; mail facilities are ample, and all parts of the county 
connected by telephone; public roads and turnpikes are excellent, and the 
financial condition of the county very favorable. 

Population, census of 1900, 21,948. Number of males twenty-one years 
and over, 5,482. 

Progress in Loudoun for several years has been marked. Real estate 
values have noticeably advanced. There are four banks in the county. 
Farms have been purchased by newcomers from Southwest Virginia, New 
York and other sections. This is one of the most beautiful, fertile por- 
tions of the State, with thrifty and prosperous farmers, many of them 
wealthy. 

Leesburg, the county seat, is a thriving town of 1,513 inhabitants (cen- 
sus of 1900), located on the Washington and Ohio division of the Southern 
railway, thirty-eight miles from Alexandria and forty-one miles from 
Washington City. It has paved streets, water works and electric lights, 
numerous churches and traternal orders, flour mills, public schools, news- 
papers and banks; the latter, especiallj^ is a strong and progressive fea- 
ture of the town, the People's National Bank being one of the largest 
banks in the State outside the cities; also the Loudoun National Bank is 
a very strong institution, and has recently erected a commodious building 
on the principal corner of the town. 

Another strong banking institution is located at Purcellville, this county, 
with a handsome bank building. This town and Bluemont have been par- 
ticularly prosperous, a number of new business houses and residences hav- 
ing been erected in each. Other towns are: 

Hamilton, population, census of 1900, 364; Waterford, population, cen- 
sus of 1900, 383; Middleburg, population, census of 1900, 296; Hillsboro, 
population, census of 1900, 131; Lovettsville, population, census of 1900, 
90, now 250; Round Hill, population, census of 1900, 200, now 200; Lin- 
coln (a new to^\^l), population, now 100. 



LOUISA COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1742 from Hanover. Jt is situated in Middle 
Virginia, in what is known as the Piedmont' section, forty miles northwest 
from Richmond. 

It is thirty miles long and about eighteen miles wide, and contains an 
area of 529 square miles. The lands, in the main, are yet in the hands of 
tne ante-bellum owners, or their descendants, and nrospective purchasers 
have not had a chance to purchase the best lands. When these lands 
come into market, as they are gradually doing, the price will advance; but 
now small farms or unimproved lands sell very cheap, and on easy terms. 

The surface is gently undulating, and about one-half of the land is under 
cultivation. The soil is generally a granite or gray soil, with clay subsoil, 
and of good quality. In the western part of the county the lands are 
very fertile, and embrace the noted Green Springs district, supposed to be 
the bed of an ancient lake. Along the borders of the streams are many 
wide and fertile flats, while on the uplands may be found almost every 
variety and quality of soil. 

Farm products aie wheat, corn, oats, tobacco, potatoes, hay, etc., all 
of which are very successfully produced; especially, tobacco, which is the 
staple crop of the covmty, over 2,000,000 pounds being produced annually, 
and of a grade known far and wide as the best type of shipping and manu- 
facturing tobacco. Violet-growing is proving to be a profitable horticul- 
tural interest; in recent years the soil has been found to be especially 
adapted to this industry, and especially is this true of the Green Springs 
section. Fruits of every variety are successfully grown, especially small 
fruits, grapes, berries and melons. 




A DAY OF GLORIOUS SPORT IN GOOD OLD VIRGINIA. 



175 

The convenience of the Kichniond market renders dairying and poultry 
raising sources of considerable profit to the people. Stock raising and 
grazing are specialties with some of the farmers, and the western, or Green 
Springs section, is also specially adapted to this industry. 

Railroad facilities are ample, and are furnished by the Chesapeake and 
Ohio, which extends almost through the entire length of the county; and 
the Southern, skirting the western end. These bring the county into con- 
venient communication with Richmond City, its principal market, and with 
the country north and west. 

This county is rich in minerals, such as gold, copper, iron, mica, soap- 
stone, ochre and pyrites. Gold has been mined with varying success, and 
often profitably. A mica vein has also been worked, and extensive beds 
of iron ore lie contiguous to the Chesapeake and Ohio railway. The three 
sulphur or pyrites mines, near Mineral, in this county, are worked more 
extensively than any other mines of the sort in the Llnited States, employ- 
ing large numbers of men. 

Timber consists of oak. pine, poplar, hickory, walnut, maple, ash ; and 
second growth pine abounds to a considerable extent. 

The county is well watered by the ISTorth and South Anna rivers, and 
their tributaries, which also furnish abundant water power. Good flour 
and corn mills are located in every neighborhood. Public spirit and en- 
terprise is shown in the erection of three splendid iron bridges over the 
rivers. 

There are numerous fine residences and a tobacco factory. The climate 
is delightful, having the milder Piedmont, blended with the pleasant cli- 
mate of Midland Virginia. Health, there, can hardly be better. The water 
is delightful and abundant, from springs and wells. Churches are numer- 
ous, representing all denominations ; no neighborhood is without exceptional 
privileges in this respect. Facilities for a thorough education in every 
branch of study are ample in this county. In addition to a good public 
free school system, there are at several points in the county excellent high 
schools where children from any section of the county may enjoy good 
educational advantages free of charge. Mail facilities and telephone ser- 
vice are ample, a good telephone line connecting with all parts of the State. 
The county roads are receiving extra attention, and marked improvement 
is being made in this respect. The financial condition of the county is 
excellent. The people are public-spirited, refined, sociable and kind, vieing 
with one another in hospitality, and "the latch-string hangs on the outside" 
to those who will come and partake of their hospitality and home comforts. 
These and other advantages, such as its great agricultural and mining re- 
sources, challenge comparison with other sections of the State in present- 
ing attractions to those in quest of a permanent home. 

Population, census of 1900, 16,517. Number of males twenty-one years 
and over, 3,679. 

Louisa, the county seat, is situated on the line of the Chesapeake and 
Ohio railway sixty-two miles west of Richmond, with which it has commu- 
nication both ways by three daily passenger trains. It has a population 
census of 1900, of 261. It has several mills, churches, fraternal orders, 
a graded public school, a bank, and a newspaper, and is a place of con- 
siderable business. 

There are several smaller towns, including Mineral, a new place, which 
has a good bank, and is growing. 



LUNENBURG COUNTY. 

Lunenburg was formed in 1746 from Brunswick, and is a southern 
county, lying near the North Carolina border, fifty-one miles southwest 
from Richmond. It is thirty miles long, with an average width of fifteen 
miles, and contains an area of 471 square miles. 



177 

Lands can be bought very low, and this fact is attracting the attention 
of investors and homeseekers. The surface is level, or gently undulating, 
and about one-third of the area is in cultivation. Soil, a grayish slate 
or of sandy texture, easily tilled. Farm products are wheat, corn, oats, 
grass, cotton and tobacco ; the last being the most important and valuable 
and yielding annually two million pounds, of good grade. Cow peas and 
clover also do well, and the soil and climate are well adapted to fruits, 
and the grape. iSheep do well, and rarely need feeding or housing. The 
growing of fine wool should become a profitable industry in this county, 
owing to its favorable conditions of climate, soil, etc. 

Three roller mills have been recently put in operation, two operated by 
steam and the other by ample water power. There are ten or twelve lum- 
ber manufacturing plants for sawing and dressing lumber; one large rock 
quarry, operated by the Virginia railway, and several flour and corn mills, 
run by a good water power derived from several large streams running 
through the county. 

The Virginia railway, which traverses the entire length of the county 
from east to west, has just been completed, and will add greatly to the 
transportation facilities. Already the large timber interests of the county 
are being rapidly developed, and property values have increased wonder- 
fully in the last two years. 

There are three banks in the county, all doing a good, substantial busi- 
ness; schools are being improved; three graded and one high school have 
been established in the county, and there are a number of churches of the 
Protestant denominations. The health of the county is good; the people 
are kind and hospitable, and society is excellent. 

The towns of Victoria and Kenbridge, on the Virginia railway, both 
have good schools, and are building up rapidly. 

Fine whetstone is found in the county, but no valuable minerals. The 
timber is very good, consisting of oak, pine, hickory, walnut, maple, chest- 
nut and elm. The county is well watered and drained by the Nottoway 
and Meherrin rivers, on the north and south borders, respectively, and bv 
-their numerous tributaries, which penetrate the county in all parts, and 
also afford many eligible mill sites. 

Population, census of 1900, 11,70.5. Increase since census of 1890, 333. 
Number of males twenty-one years and over, 2,494. 

Lunenburg, the county seat, is located about the center of the county, 
twenty miles south of Burkeville, a station on the Southern railway, with 
which it has dailv commvmication. 



MADISON COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1792 from Culpeper, and lies on the east 
side of the Blue Ridge mountains, in the northern part of the State, 
sixty-five miles northwest of Richmond. On the northwest is Page, from 
which it is separated by the Blue Ridge mountains ; on the north, Rappa- 
hannock; Culpeper on the east; Orange on the southeast; Greene on the 
southwest, the Rapidan river forming the dividing line. 

It contains an area of 336 square miles; 1,200 farms; average size of 
farms, 140 acres ; assessed value, $6.00 per acre. About one-third of the 
area is in cultivation. 

The surface is rolling; the soil varies from loam, sand and slate, to red 
clay, and is very productive ; especially on the rivers, which embrace ex- 
tensive and fertile bottoms. This is an excellent grass and grain producing 
county, and the slopes of the mountains are especially adapted to tobacco, 
potatoes, etc. 

Owing to its exemption from late frosts, this section is especially adapted 
to fruit culture; and the pippin and other valuable apples do well, with 
proper attention. Grape culture is also a profitable industry, especially 



178 

m the section bordering on Orange, the character and quality of the soil 
here being peculiarly favorable to this fruit. Vegetables do well, and the 
dairy product is considerable. 

Nearest railroads are the Chesapeake and Ohio, the Southern, and the 
Norfolk and Western; near the northern, eastern and western boundaries, 
respectively. 

Minerals are iron, copper, ochre and graphite; but none have been fully 
developed. Timbers are chestnut, oak, pine, walnut, hickory, ash, etc. 

The county is watered by the Rapidan, Robertson, and Conway rivers 
and their tributaries. Numerous flouring and grist mills, furniture fac- 
tories, two stove factories, one chicken coop factory, tanneries, a dairy 
and a cheese factory embrace the most important industrial enterprises 
of the county. 

The Blue Ridge mountains, which extend along the entire northwest 
border, are 3,860 feet above sea level at the highest point. The top and 
slopes furnish excellent grazing when cleared, and cattle there thrive well, 
owing to lower temperature and freedom from insect annoyance 

It has macadamized and other roads. 

There are numerous churches of different denomination, distributed well 
over the county. The Woodbury Forest High School, the Warwick High 
School, Locust Dale Academy, the Oak Park Female Institute, and the 
Rock Spring Female Institute, all excellent scliools, afford magnificent 
educational advantages. 

Population, census of 1900, 10,216. Number of males twenty-one years 
and over, 2,190. 

Madison, the county seat and principal town, occupies an elevated posi- 
tion in the center of the county, and commands a picturesque view of the 
surrounding coimtry. It has a population of about five himdred, and is a 
thriving, busy town, Avitli graded streets, churches, public schools, newspa- 
per. Masonic lodge and 'One bank. 



MATHEWS COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1790 from Gloucester, and is one of the ex- 
treme eastern counties of the State, lying on the Chesapeake bay, which 
bounds it on the east with Mobjack bay, and North river on the south and 
west, a small portion of Gloucester on the west, and Piankatank river on 
the north, separating it from Middlesex; thus forming a peninsula, united 
to the mainland by a very narrow neck of country. It is twenty miles long 
and nine miles across at the widest point, and contains an area of niliety- 
two square miles. 

Average size of farms is forty acres. Taking all the advantages of local- 
ity, soil and climate into consideration, land is cheap and desirable, selling 
at from $5 to $30 per acre. That, however, lying immediately on the 
water courses, is very valuable, selling at from $20 to $110 per acre, if it 
has an oyster shore attached to it. Average price of improved farm lands 
is about $20 per acre, with an averaged assessed value of $10 per acre. 

The surface is level, soil a sandy loam, easily cultivated and responding 
readily to fertilizers. Farm products are corn, wheat, rye and oats. Fruits 
do well, but it is particularly adapted to the raising of truck and vegeta- 
bles. 

Poultry raising for the northern markets is profitable, and water and 
marsh birds are abundant; but much the most important and profitable 
products of the county are its fish and oysters, which are a source of large 
revenue, and furnish employment for very many of its inhabitants. It 
ranks as among the first counties of the State in the yield of its fisheries, 
and is also renowned for their superior excellence. Several canning fac- 
tories are being- operated successfully. 



179 

The nearest railroad station is West Point, in King William county, dis- 
tant about thirty miles; but this deficiency is amply supplied by daily 
steamers from Norfolk and other seaboard cities. 

Shell marl is foimd in many localities, and utilized to some extent; also 
a species of peat, well adapted to composting, is found in the ravines. 
Principal timbers are pine and oak. 

In addition to the surrounding waters mentioned, the East river, ex- 
tending through the central part of the county, divides it into two nearly 
equal parts, called East and West Mathews. 

Churches of the various denominations are conveniently located. Owing 
to prevalence of salt-water breezes, the health is good, and this is one of 
the most thickly settled counties in the State. 

Population, census of 1900, 8,239. Increase since census of 1890, 655. 
Number of males twenty-one years and over, 2,149. 

Mathews, the county seat, is situated in the eastern part of the county, 
on a branch of the East river, and is a town of considerable importance' 
having a population of about three hundred, a daily mail, graded streets' 
the usual county buildings, stores, etc. 

Hicks Wharf is the next town in importance. 



MECKLENBURG COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1764 from Lunenburg, and is on the southern 
border of the State, ninety miles southwest from Richmond. It has an 
average length of thirty-six miles and a width of twenty miles, and con- 
tains an area of 640 square miles; about one-third of the lands in culti- 
vation. 

Surface is generally undulating; average elevation above sea level about 
five hundred feet; the soil variable, light sandv to stitT clay, easily culti- 
vated, and readily responding to good treatment; along the valleys of the 
streams it is alluvial and exceedingly fertile. 

Farm products are tobacco, peanuts, wheat, corn, oats, cotton and hay. 
This county ranks third in the State in the yield of tobacco, which is three 
and a half million pounds annually, and of fine grade. The various grasses, 
clover, alfalfa, orchard grass, timothy, etc., grow luxuriantly on sood soils. 
Fruits are apples, peaches, pears, apricots, cherries, grapes, m^elons and 
berries of all kinds, which are produced in abundance, large areas being 
appropriated to orchards and to grape culture. Irish and sweet potatoes, 
and all the garden vegetables can be abundaiitly grown; also poultry does 
well in this section, and wild game is abundant. Tobacco being the leading 
crop of the county, the farmers have been so absorbed in its culture as to 
neglect other farm industries; but an interest has recently been awakened 
in stock raising; and, owing to the mild climate and consequent small cost 
of raising stock, this industry is destined to assume large and increasing 
proportions. 

This county is splendidly supplied with railroad facilities. Three rail- 
roads—the Seaboard Air Line, the Atlantic and Danville, and the Rich- 
mond and Danville branches of the Southern railway, traverse all sections 
of the county, affording ready access to nearest markets, and putting the 
•county in close touch with the principal cities of the eastern part of the 
State. 

Water navigation is now by bateaux, but will eventually be by steamers, 
■on Roanoke, Dan and Staunton rivers; and these streams, with the Me- 
lierrin river on the northern border, and their inijumerable tributaries. 
Tender this one of the finest watered counties in the State, and also afford 
many eligible sites for mills and manufactories. 

In some portions of the county gold, copper, granite, soapstone and kaolin 
■exist, but are undeveloped. Mineral waters are abundant and noted, espe- 
cially the celebrated Buffalo Lithia Springs, on the southern border of the 



181 



county whose waters are famous the world over for their Potential health- 

wfloon and buggy factories are in operation. ,.,.,; ni 

The cHmate ?s deliohtful. there being little cold weather and slight fall 
of snow while the l?a of summer is'usually tempered hj gentle breezes 
Pure clear water from springs, or from wells as good as from the natural 
fmin-s Ts eveA'where abundant, and largely mineral. Health of the county 
fJeSllent; indeed, the county is noted for its general healthfulness and 

''Ch^fhlfy thfr:^;: denominations are numerous, every section of 
the county beino supplied in this respect; and a very large proportion of 
he Zpulationlii^ members of somi denomination. Educational advan- 
taoea^re excellent, graded and public schools being so situated as to make 
thfm accel^ible to every neighborhood. Southside Academy, located at 
Chase City is an incorporated institution, and is well equipped with ac- 
complished 'instructors to furnish the higher educational advantages 

Telenhone service is ample and efficient; Chase City, Clarkesville and 
Bovdton are connected with the North Carolina system There are a large 
nun£ of postoffices and a number of rural free delivery roues m the 
county- and mail communication and facilities m every locality are all 
Sriuld be desired. Public roads intersect all sections, and are kept m 

.'^^£rhas^::^'^iderable progress in th^ county - t^line^f ^^1 

exceiftioL?free of encumbmnce. The people of the county are moral, law- 
'''^:SLr^lJ:^^Z^^O, 26.551. inerease^nce census of 

^^Sviff- ti^^ni;^^ss:"5;r r^x; 71^^ on the 

Atlantic a^d Danville branch of the Southern railway, and six miles from 
t^ieUne of the Richmond and Mecklenburg railroad, is a thriving town m 
the center of a rapidly-growing country, with a population, census of 1900, 



of 527 



"" The greatest impetus given to the business interest of Boydton is its to- 
here and the business extends into adjoining ^"^^ -^^.^j^^^ ^\^,tde/the 
"ThaTe" iy i'"a '„"™"ot1„mide,-ab,e i„,porta„ce situated in ,l,e nortj^ 
SLtl"ee banks. Its sales of leaf tobaeco exceed prev.ons vears about 



182 

forty per cent., over 3,000,000 pounds being sold. Its postoffice has been 
advanced to a Presidential appointment. Mercantile houses are more nu- 
merous, and sales largely increased in volume. Two cheroot manufactories 
have been erected, with demand beyond their capacity to supply. The 
wagon and buggy manufacturing companies have erected immense Jauildings 
and employ over one hundred hands. Also a large furniture factory, which 
turns out beautiful work; and a spool and shuttle factory. 

Not in the.historj' of the town has there been erected so many new build- 
ings as during the past three years. A sanitarium, with hotel combined, 
which cost $100,000, is in successful operation ; its surroundings are beau- 
tified by walks, drives, shady retreats, flower plats, etc. An electric jjlant 
has been built, and mineral waters are conveyed to suitable points. 

A business men's association has been organized, and has resulted in 
great benefit to the town. Population of town by census of 1900 was 542, 
and is greatly increased since. 

Clarkesville is also a town of considerable business importance, and one 
of the most populous in the county. It is located on the south side, at the 
confluence of the Staunton and Dan rivers, which form the Roanoke, and on 
the Atlantic and Danville branch of the Southern, and Keysville and Dur- 
ham railroads. It has a population, census of 1900, of 723, which shows 
an increase of 67 since last census. 

It is surrounded by a fertile agricultural section, which finds in Clarkes- 
ville a ready market for its products. It has large tobacco warehouses and 
is a good market for the sale of leaf tobacco. It has also wagon, buggy 
and coffin factories, banks, good churches and schools. 

South Hill and La Crosse on the Atlantic and Danville branch of the 
Southern railway, are new towns in the eastern portion of the county. 
The growth of South Hill has been very remarkable. Ten years ago there 
was nothing but the depot; now it is nearly as large as Chase City; with 
large tobacco warehouses, churches, schools, and two prosperous banks and 
many mercantile houses. It is located in one of the best bright tobacco dis- 
tricts in the State, and the sales of leaf tobacco last year amounted to 
several millions of pounds. Ogburn's Mineral Spring, near by, is one of 
the best mineral waters in Virginia. 

La Crosse at the crossing of the Atlantic and Danville and the Seaboard 
Air Line raihvays, is a thriving little town with many business houses, 
good schools, etc. It is destined to be a town of considerable magnitude 
and importance. 

The home seeker will find much to commend this county to his attention ; 
nor will he here find himself among strangers ; for a large number of people 
from the North and West are scattered through the county, having pur- 
chased lands and settled here since the war, who will give the gratifying 
assurance that they are well pleased with climate, lands and people. 



MIDDLESEX COUNTY. 

This county was formed from Lancaster in 1675. It is situated in the 
eastern part of the State, forty miles east of Richmond, and lies between 
the Rappahannock and the Piankatank rivers, with Chesapeake bay on the 
east. 

It is thirty miles long with an average width of six miles ; and contains 
an area of 156 square miles. Lands are rather low in price, but are in- 
creasing in value. The surface is generally level, with an elevation above 
tidewater of ten to thirty feet on the rivers, and a lumdred feet or more 
further back. The soil is light and dark loam, with clay subsoil, easily 
cultivated and readily improved. 

Farm products are corn, wheat, oats, hay, etc., and the lands are espe- 
cially adapted in some parts to the growth of clover. Peaches, apples, pears, 



183 

plums, apricots, and the smaller fruits and berries do well; also vegetables 
of the various kinds; giving employment to several fruit and vegetable 
canneries. Being convenient to market, this county is very favorably lo- 
cated for trucking, which is carried on to a considerable extent, especially 
in the lower part of the coimty. 

Poultry is a profitable and increasing industry, with several large poultry 
establishments in the county. Stock is grown to some extent, the most 
profitable branch of which is spring lambs. The most extensive and profita- 
ble industry, however, is in fish and oysters, for which this county is 
scarcely second to any in the State. It has several fish and oyster can- 
neries and fish fertilizer factories. 

Large deposits of marl abound, and this has been extensively used with 
great benefit to the soil in connection with clover and cow peas, in proper 
rotation of crops. 

Timbers are oak, pine, chestnut, ash and cypress, of good quality and 
quantity. The county is AA^ell watered by the surrounding water courses 
and their tributary streams, which also afford water power for numerous 
grist mills. There are also many steam mills in operation. Water com- 
munication and transportation is direct by daily steamers to Baltimore, 
Fredericksburg and Norfolk. 

The climate is mild and pleasant, the water generally good, and the 
health excellent. Churches are numerous, and of all the Protestant denom- 
inations. School facilities are ample, and there is daily mail to every 
portion of the county. The financial condition of the county is very favor- 
able, and it is considered as progressive as any of the counties of this 
portion of the State, and may be said to offer exceptional advantages to 
those who wish to purchase lands in this section. Society is good and the 
hospitable people extend a hearty welcome to those seeking homes in their 
midst. 

Population, census of 1900, 8,220. Increase since census of 1890, 762. 
Number of males twenty-one years and over, 1,968. 

Saluda, the county seat, is located near the center of the county. It has 
a population of about 150; several churches and public schools, an acad- 
emy, a grist and planing mill, and two carriage factories. 

The past vear has shown marked improvements in this county in build- 
ing, notably "^at the town of Urbanna a $20,000 bank building, a $15,000 ice 
plant, a fiiie brick church, and many excellent residences. A northern gen- 
tleman has invested a large amovmt in the purchase and repair of the Rose 
Gill estate, an old colonial residence on the Rappahannock river, once the 
home of an English governor. Several pickling plants are located in dif- 
ferent parts of the county, and a considerable amount of capital has come 
into the county during the past few years. Good crops, generally, have 
also contributed to the prosperity of the county; and while fine steamers 
ply the rivers daily, the coirnty needs railroad facilities to connect it with 
the cities of the State. All parts of the county are threaded with one 
of the finest telephone systems in the country, communication on long- 
distance 'phone being carried on with West Point and every home. 



MONTGOMERY COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1776 from a portion of the territory then 
known as the Fincastle district. The balance of the district was merged 
into Washington and Kentucky counties, the latter comprising the present 
State of Kentucky. Montgomery has since been shorn of much of its origi- 
nal territory by the formation of several new counties on every side. 

It is 175 miles southwest from Richmond, about midway between that 
city and the extreme southwest, and is about twenty-two miles on each of 
its irregular sides, containing an area of 394 square miles. 



185 

The surface is rolling and mountainous generally. The soil varies ac- 
cording to the geological structure, being principally clay and limestone, 
and some portions slate and freestone; the latter a lighter soil, and gener- 
ally thin and sterile on the hills. The greater portion of the county is 
very rich and productive, yielding fine crops of corn, wheat, oats, rye, 
tobacco, etc. It is especially adapted to the grasses, both the cultivated 
and the natural blue grass; so that the production of hay, grazing and 
stock raising are extensively carried on and are very profitable. Some of 
the finest herds of shorthorn cattle in the State are found in this county, 
and it is also specially adapted to the growing of sheep. Fruits of all 
kinds are readily and abundantly grown, and the vegetable and dairy 
products are also items of considerable revenue to the farmer. 

The Norfolk and Western railroad, passing through the center from 
northeast to southwest, a distance of twenty-eight miles, furnishes a con- 
venient line of transportation from all points of the county. The New 
River division of the Norfolk and Western railroad runs along the west 
line a short distance. 

The minerals of the county are iron, zinc, lead, coal, gold-bearing rocks, 
copper, pyrites, millstone, limestone and slate. Only iron and coal are now 
being worked, the latter quite extensively. 

There are numerous mineral springs in the county; the principal of 
which are the Alleghany Springs, four miles; the Yellow Sulphur, three 
miles, and the Montgomery White, one and a half miles from the Norfolk 
and Western railroad. These springs are noted far the excellent medicinal 
properties of their waters, and may justly be ranked among the most 
attractive and desirable summer resorts in the State. 

Timber of diff"erent kinds native to this latitude is very abundant in 
some sections of the county, especially in the north and the south sides. 
Oak of different varieties, chestnut, walnut, hickory, elm, ash, poplar and 
pine are found. Some of the most valuable timber is sold for export pur- 
poses, and considerable quantities of shingles and barrel staves are manu- 
factured and shipped. 

This county is well watered by New and Little rivers and the head waters 
of the Roanoke; which afi"ord much valuable water power, utilized to a 
considerable extent in manufacturing enterprises of various kinds. Be- 
sides its numerous flourjng mills and sawmills, it has iron furnaces, foun- 
dries, stove and pipe works, woolen mills, furniture factory, etc. 

The climate is delightful and healthful, and water abundant and of ex- 
cellent quality. Churches of all the denominations are numerous; and 
educational advantages very superior, with the Virginia Polytechnic In- 
stitute, located at Blacksburg, in this county ; an excellent female school at 
Christiansburg, and the public schools of the county in a flourishing con- 
dition. Telephone service and mail facilities are good. 

Population, census of 1900, 15,852. Number of males twenty-one years 
and over, 3,623. 

Christiansburg, the county seat, is situated near the center of the county, 
one mile south of Christiansburg station, Norfolk and Western railroad, 
and on the summit of the Alleghany mountains, 2,200 feet above tidewater. 
It is a beautiful and growing town of 659 inhabitants (last census), and 
is surrounded by a fertile and picturesque country. The streets are mac- 
adamized and lighted, and there are quite a number of good hotels, whole- 
sale and retail stores, and establishments for the manufacture of saddlery, 
tinware, boots, shoes, etc.; also a flouring mill, newspaper, bank, several 
fraternal orders, churches of the various denominations, and schools, both 
public and private. Its female schools are noted throughout this section 
as being on a higher basis than is usual in country towns. In every respect 
a substantial and steady growth is evidenced here, as shown by the largely- 
increased business of the bank, and of the business houses. 

Other towns of the county are Radford, Blacksburg, Shawsville. Elliston, 
and Lafayette. 



186 

Radford is the most populous and important town in the county. It 
is beautifully situated on New river, in the western boundary of the county, 
and on the Norfolk and Western railroad, at the junction of its main line 
with the New River division, twelve miles west of Christiansburg. 

Blacksburg, an important and prosperous town of 768 inhabitants, census 
of 1900, is located in the northwestern portion of the county, eight miles 
north of Christiansburg station on the Norfolk and Western railroad. It 
is beautifully situated in the midst of a tine farming country, with rolling 
grass and grain fields, dotted here and there with handsome residences, 
and presenting a picture of landscape scenery beautiful in the extreme. 
It has good churches and schools, and is a very active business center and 
a desirable residence town. The new railroad, from the Norfolk and West- 
ern at Christiansburg to this place and the adjacent coal fields, has added 
very largely to the importance and business of the town, besides being of 
great benefit and convenience to the surrounding agricultural section. 

Blacksburg is especially noted as the seat of the Virginia Polytechnic 
Institute, a military institution that is doing an admirable work in edu- 
cating the young men of the State in agriculture, the mechanical arts and 
engineering. The buildings are principally brick, large and commodious, 
and the college grounds extensive and very attractive. The college farm, 
consisting of 338 acres of excellent land in fine state of cultivation, is de- 
voted to experimental purposes. The shops are well equipped with valua- 
ble machinery for iron and wood work; also with foundry and forge. The 
income of the college consists of an annuity from the Federal government 
and a liberal appropriation by the State. It is one of the largest and most 
progressive schools in the State, being taxed to its full capacity in the 
number of pupils. The military feature is decidedly attractive and useful. 



NANSEMOND COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1639 from Isle of Wight, and is located in 
the southeastern portion of the State sixty-six miles from Richmond. It 
is thirty-five miles long and nineteen miles wide, extending from Hampton 
Roads on the north to the North Carolina line on the south, and contains 
an area of 393 square miles. 

Average price for improved lands, $25 per acre; averaged assessed value 
about $10 per acre. About one-third of the area is in cultivation. Sixty- 
five thousand acres of the Dismal Swamp is embraced in this county. The 
soil is sandy loam, with clay subsoil. The lands on the river are of very 
fine quality. 

Farm products are corn, oats, wheat, cotton and peanuts. In the pro- 
duction of the last, this county ranks among the first in the State. Vege- 
tables of all kinds grow to great perfection, and come into market early; 
especially melons, peas and tomatoes. The Nansemond potato has long 
been celebrated for its superior quality. A large proportion of the land 
is devoted to trucking. This and peanut raising are the most profitable 
industries of the county. Fish and oysters are abundant; also water 
fowls, such as ducks, geese and swans. 

The railroads are the Seaboard Air Line, the Norfolk and Western, the 
Southern, the Atlantic Coast Line, the Virginian railway and the Suffolk 
and Carolina; which not only afford large transportation facilities, but 
are a source of much business and prosperity to the county. Access to 
market is also furnished by steamers on Nansemond river. 

A great abundance of marl of superior quality is found, and much used 
on the lands. There is still some good timber in the county, such as pine, 
cypress and juniper, which find a ready and profitable market. Nanse- 
mond river, in the middle and northern portion, and Blackwater and its 
tributaries, in the southern and western parts, afford ample M^ater supply 
and drainage. 



187 

In climate health and water, this county compares favorably with other 
portions of this section of the State. Churches are numerous and largely 
attended; telephone service and mail facilities are all that could be de- 
sired; the rate of taxation is low; and altogether, this is one of the most 
prosperous counties in the State. 

. ^^^.^® ^l^ ®i§'^* ^igh schools in the county and five banks. The following 
IS a list of a number of the industries : Six water mills for grinding corn 
and two steam grist mills; eight peanut factories; about twenty- five lum- 
ber plants; two barrel and box factories; two butter-dish factories; one 
knitting mill; two foundries; two factories making peanut-pickers; six 
brick factories; two planing mills; four machine shops; two ice plants- one 
electric and one gas plant, and one meat packing house and cold stora'o-e 

Population, census of 1900, 23,078. Increase since census of 1890 3^386 
Number of males twenty-one years and over, 5,634. ' ' 

Suffolk, the_ county seat, is an exceedingly prosperous and progressive 
/o^"^ of 3,827 inhabitants; which is an increase of 473 since the last census, 
(bee Cities of Virginia.) 

NEISON COUNTY. 

1 "T^i^co^^ty was formed in 1807 from Amherst, and lies on the eastern 
slope ot the Blue Ridge, seventy-five miles west of Richmond. It is sepa- 
rated from Augusta on the northwest by the Blue Ridge mountains, and 
from Buckingham on the southeast by James river. It contains an area 
01 472 square miles. 

The surface is rolling, the soil generally is red clay, except on the rivers, 
which is dark alluvial, and very productive. Farm products are corn, 
wheat, oats, rye, tobacco, buckwheat and the grasses, especiallv clover 
and timothy. i- j 

This county is especially adapted to the growth of fruits and vegetables 
of all kinds ;_ indeed, it may be considered one of the best sections in the 
State for fruit. The Albemarle pippin, and the Pilot, another famous apple, 
and a native of this county, flourish here. Grapes also grow to perfection 
in this county, and have received increased attention the past few years, 
with gratifying results. There are several large vineyards in the county, 
and some wme cellars. Poultry is extensively and profitably raised Of 
the various products of the county, however, tobacco is the chief money 
crop of the farmer. "^ 

The mountain lands furnish fine pasturage; and horses, cattle, and sheep 
especially, are raised here in large numbers for northern markets 

Railroads are the James river division of the Chesapeake and Ohio rail- 
road, on the southeastern border; the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad on 
the northern border; and the Southern, extending through its middle part 
from_ northeast to southwest. These afford ample and convenient com- 
munication and transportation to the markets, north and south 

Minerals are iron ore, both hematite and magnetic; copper, manganese, 
ead, asbestos, kaolin and soapstone; of which iron, copper and manganese 
have been worked to a considerable extent. Four companies are working 
up soapstone into wash-tubs, etc., and they cannot supply the demand 
from New York and Philadelphia alone. Chalybeate and sulphur waters 
are found m various parts. 

The rutile mined in this county is of excellent quality, being very pure. 
The market for this mineral is yet limited. For the present uses made of 
rutile, the demand is not very great. These include a limited quantity in 
alloys and certain grades of steel, for the manufacture of artificial teeth, 
and of porcelain-ware, serving in both as a pigment. Up to the present 
time the demand for rutile in the United States has not exceeded 200 to 

? nnnT^fnnn™''^"^- The Nelson county plant is capable of producing 
1,000 to 2,000 pounds per day. '^ 



189 

There are six soapstone plants in the county. These are operated by 
electric power developed on the Tye and Rockfish rivers. 

Timber consists principally of walnut, pine, poplar, oak, chestnut and 
hickory; and is abundant. 

The James river, on the southeastei-n border, and its tributaries; the 
Tye and the Rockflsh rivers, and other streams extending through the 
county, afford ample water and drainage, and also splendid water power. 
The famous cataract, Crabtree Falls, is situated in. this county on a branch 
of Tye river. There are a number of sawmills, and tanbark and cross-ties 
are considerable industries. 

The climate is temperate, invigorating and healthful; and the water 
pure, fresh, and everywhere abundant. There are several excellent private 
female schools, and numerous jjublic schools; and churches of the various 
denominations are distributed throughout the county. Telephone and mail 
facilities are good, and the financial condition of the county very favorable. 
A fine estate, at Oak Eidge, in this county, has recently been purchased 
by a party in New York, which has since added several thousand acres of 
land, and stocked it with large numbers of fine-grade sheep and cattle. 
Doubtless others will do likewise, when the splendid advantages of this 
section shall become more generally known. 

Lovingston, the county seat, is located in the central part of the county, 
four and a half miles north of Montreal station, on the Southern railwaj^, 
with which it has daily mail communication. It has a population of about 
300, and several churches, public schools, wheelwright shops, a newspaper 
and a Masonic lodge. Other villages are Afton, Bviffalo and Arlington. 

Population of county, census of 1900, 16,075. Increase since census of 
1890, 739. Number of males twenty-one years and over, 3,536. 



NEW KENT COUNTY. 

This county was formed from York in 1654. It lies nine miles east of 
Richmond, between the Pamunkey and the Chickahominy rivers. It is 
twenty-six miles long and from seven to nine miles wade, and contains an 
area of 233 square miles. It has 625 farms; average size of farms 150 
acres. Good lands can be bought in this county at from one-tenth to one- 
half the price of lands of the ^same quality in the north. 

The surface is generally level, but is undulating in parts. The soil in 
the interior is light and sandy; on the river bottoms a stiff clay or loam; 
the latter are very extensive and exceedingly fertile. Farm products are 
corn, wheat, oats, early vegetables, sweet potatoes and Irish potatoes, for 
the last of which the soil is specially adapted; also red clover, vetch, rape, 
and other valuable grasses, grow here to perfection. 

Poultry and trucking are important products ; perhaps the most impor- 
tant in the county. Horses, cattle and sheep do well; especially the last. 
These can get green food the year round, except a few days when there is 
snow, wdiich is soon gone. Bermuda grass grows in great luxuriance, and 
makes first-class pasture. 

Good markets are near by, and transportation by water and rail con- 
venient, with the York River railroad on the north, and the Chesapeake and 
Ohio railroad in the southern part. 

Marl is abundant, and of excellent quality. The timber consists of oak, 
hickory, maple, pine, cypress, ash, gum, etc. Much cord-wood and ship- 
timber is annually marketed from this county. 

. The Pamunkey, the Chickahominy and the York rivers on the northern, 
southern and eastern borders, respectively, and their tributaries, afford 
ample w^ater supply. 

The climate IS excellent, not objectionably warm in summer, nor cold in 
winter. Churches of the various denominations are conveniently located, 
and public schools sufficient for all demands. Sawmills are running on 



191 

full time; ship-timber men are actively emploj'ed; and, with good prices 
for their products, the farmers are in a prosperous condition. The people 
are intelligent and cultivated, and are noted for their sociability and gener- 
ous hospitality. Two telephone lines are being installed. 

Population, census of 1900, 4,865. Number of males twenty-one years 
and over, 1,105. 

This county is noted as having been the marriage place of George Wash- 
ington. 

New Kent Courthouse, the county seat, is located in the northern central 
portion of the county, thirty miles from Richmond, and is a small inland 
country village of about 100 inhabitants. The nearest market is Richmond. 

Other towns in the county are Barboursville and Providence Forge. The 
latter, at the head of Chickahominy navigation, and on the Chesapeake and 
Ohio railway, is a thriving village. 



NORFOLK COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1691 from lower Norfolk, afterwards called 
Nansemond, and is situated in the southeast corner of the State, on Hamp- 
ton Roads, 75 miles southeast from Richmond. 

It is twenty-four miles long, with a mean breadth of nineteen miles, 
and contains an area of 425 square miles, two-thirds of which is in culti- 
vation. The lands are rapidly growing in value and importance. Average 
assessed value, $30 per acre. The surface is level, the soil a sandy loam, 
with clay subsoil, is mellow, easily cultivated and improved, and, when 
properly managed, is very productive. 

The principal farm products are corn, Irish and sweet potatoes. In the 
production of potatoes, it ranks first of the counties of the State. Fruits 
of the various kinds grown in this latitude, such as apples, peaches, figs, 
pears, and the small fruits, yield abundantly. 

This is also the greatest trucking center in the United States. Market 
facilities, climate, soil, and indeed all nature, seem to have designed it 
for a great garden; and it is being rapidly utilized as such, in the pro- 
duction of vast quantities of potatoes, cabbage, kale, peas, beans, beets, 
squashes, cucumbers, spinach, melons and berries; which are shipped to 
northern and western markets, and bring into the county millions of dollars 
annually. Freights are low, and communication with the cities north is 
so rapid that perishable fruits and vegetables can be gathered in the even- 
ing, and placed in the New York markets by sunrise next morning. An- 
other valuable consideration to the farmer and trucker is, that, owing to 
the long growing season, he is enabled, by wise rotation of crops through 
the year, to grow something constantly, so that the land is never idle. 
A well-known trucker sold in 1905, off of ten acres, six thousand dollars' 
worth of produce. Another planted 1,000 barrels of seed potatoes. 

The market advantages of this county are unsurpassed, on account of 
the convenience to Norfolk, Portsmouth, Berkley, Ocean View and Virginia 
Beach; and being also within twelve hours of New York, Philadelphia and 
Washington, by rail and water. The latter especially furnishes exceedingly 
low freight rates ; for example, a barrel of potatoes to New York, 400 
miles, for twenty cents; the same to Baltimore, 200 miles, for sixteen 
cents; or a barrel of kale or spinach to New York or Philadelphia for fif- 
teen cents. 

The water courses abound in the finest fish and oysters, rendering this 
a very extensive and valuable industry, and giving employment to several 
thousand people. 

Six lines of railway traverse the county in every direction, affording con- 
venient communication and market facilities to all sections ; and these 
facilities are largely supplemented by extensive water navigation on Eliza- 
beth river, and on the Dismal Swamp, the Albemarle and the Chesapeake 
canals. 



193 

Many of the farms are located in the immediate locality, or on naviga- 
ble water, which enables the farmer and trucker to secure convenient and 
cheap transportation, by means of small craft of every description. 

While the timber of the coimty has been to a large extent cut off and 
manufactured into lumber, there is still considerable timber remaining, 
and enough for all practical purposes; especially in the Dismal Swamp 
section, which furnishes large quantities of valuable timber, such as pine, 
cypress, cedar, juniper and gum, interspersed with the oaks and other 
hard woods. 

Elizabeth river, extending into the central portion of the county, and its 
numerous branches penetrating every part, afford ample drainage. 

In the southwestern corner, partly in this county and partly in Nanse- 
mond and extending into North Carolina, is the great Dismal Swamp. 
This, when drained, is of great fertility, and is especially adapted to the 
production of corn and potatoes. 

The climate is mild, genial and equable; and is insured against sudden 
changes in temperature by the close proximity of the great Gulf Stream, 
by which it is warmed in winter and cooled in summer, as this holds a 
regular temperature of seventy degrees at all seasons. The lowest drop 
of the thermometer has been sixteen degrees above; and the winters are 
but little felt or feared here, compared with sections further north. There 
are more sunny days here in the fall, winter and spring months, and a 
more liberal and well-distributed rainfall, than in any other portion of 
the United States. 

The water and the health of the county are good; churches are numerous, 
both white and colored; and educational facilities are unusual. There are 
about 150 schoolhouses, some of them $10,000 in value, two stories, brick; 
first-rate high schools, and even night schools. They have ten months 
sessions; teachers' salaries range from $40 to $100 per month; and pro- 
vision is made to spend $80,000 more on new schoolhouses. There are two 
telephone lines in the county; telegraph stations everywhere; and mail 
facilities are excellent. 

The enterprise and public spirit of the people have kept pace with the 
development of their resources and commerce, as is seen in the many beau- 
tiful shell turnpikes radiating the county in every direction, and the re- 
cent purchase by the county of all the pikes, bridges and ferries; so that 
tolls are everywhere dispensed with, and crops are hauled to market and 
to wharf with comparatively light labor and expense. 

No county in the State is in a better financial condition; or is more 
prosperous; and no section of the country offers a more inviting field, and a 
more profitable farming investment to enterprising and industrious set- 
tlers. Its people are generally native Americans, and are principally Vir- 
ginians and Carolinians, with a considerable number of Northern and 
Western settlers attracted since the war by the many advantages presented 
by this section. 

Population of county, census of 1900, 50,780. Increase since 1890, 21,881. 
Number of males twenty-one years and over, 13,951. 

The above is a great showing when it is considered that portions of the 
county have been annexed to Portsmouth, Norfolk and Berkley, since the 
last census. 

Portsmouth, the county seat, is situated on the west bank of the Eliza- 
beth river, opposite the city of Norfolk, with which it is connected by a 
steam ferry. The streets are wide and well paved; the buildings substan- 
tial, and many of them handsome and imposing. It is a port of entry, 
and the harbor is one of the best on the Atlantic coast; accessible at all 
seasons of the year to vessels of the largest class. It has a large and 
splendidly-equipped United States Navy Yard, naval hospital, also a great 
naval station and dry dock, capable of accommodating the largest ships. 
For full description of this city and the town of Berkley, and the great 
and growing city of Norfolk, see "Cities and Towns." 



194 

NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 

This county was originally a portion of Accomac, and occupies the south- 
ern portion of the Eastern Shore peninsula. It is located in the extreme 
eastern part of the State, 78 miles from Richmond, with the Atlantic ocean 
on the east, the Chesapeake bay on the west, and Accomac county on the 
north. Thirty miles long with an average width of five miles, it contains 
an area of 232 square miles. 

The surface is level, the soil light sandy, with clay subsoil, very easily 
improved; one-half of it being under cultivation. There are many fine 
farms in the county. Farm products are sweet and Irish potatoes, corn, 
rye and grasses, especially clover. Fruits do well, especially apples, and 
the smaller fruits, berries, etc. It is especially adapted to the growth 
of vegetables of all kinds, ranking first in the State for the yield of onions 
per acre. Trucking is carried on to a large extent ; the lands are espe- 
cially adapted to this industry, and are scarcely excelled in this particular 
in the State. The most important and profitable products of the county, 
however, are Irish and sweet potatoes. Last year the growers were favored 
with an abundant crop of both, and at remimerative prices; and it will 
long be remembered as the best and most prosperous year within the 
recollection of the people. A very conservative estimate of the Irish po- 
tato crop marketed from this county annually is placed at 400,000 barrels, 
with an increase from that source of $1,000,000. 

The numerous rivers, bays and inlets with which its shores are in- 
dented, contain fish and oysters in great quantities, variety, and of su- 
perior excellence; forming a source of cheap and luxurious living, and 
large revenues to the inhabitants. Water fowls are also abundant, and a 
source of much profit and sport to the huntsman. 

The New York, Philadelphia and Norfolk railroad passes through the 
center of the county for twenty miles, terminating at Cape Charles City, 
on the Chesapeake bay,- from which point a steam tug and barge line con- 
nects with Norfolk; thus afi'ording excellent transportation facilities to 
the markets, north and south. 

Pine and oak are the principal timbers; of which there is considerable 
quantity. 

The climate is mild and salubrious, its almost insular position render- 
ing it free from extremes of heat or cold. The health of the county is ex- 
cellent, and the water good. Churches and public schools are numerous 
and convenient, and it has, besides, one academy. Telephone service and 
mail facilities are ample, and the county roads are well located and kept 
in good condition. 

In progress and general advancement this county is rapidly moving for- 
ward, and it already occupies a position in the front rank in these re- 
spects; of which there is no better evidence than the increase of popula- 
tion and its excellent financial condition, having a surplus of $25,000 
loaned on mortgage. It is also noted for its hospitality and its splendid 
social advantages. 

Population, census of 1900, 13,770. Increase since census of 1890, 3,457. 
Number of males twenty-one years and over, 3,367. 

Eastville, the county seat, is located on the New York, Philadelphia and 
Norfolk railroad, and has a population by last census of 313. The streets 
are excellent and well lighted; and it has an academy, a Young Men's 
Christian Association building, a lodge of Masons and several churches. 

Other towns in the county are Cape Charles, with a population, census 
of 1900, of 1,040; and Franktown. 



NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1648. It is one of the five counties consti- 
tuting the Northern Neck, and lies at the mouth of the Potomac river, on 
the Chesapeake bay, sixty miles northeast from Richmond. 



195 

It is twenty-five miles long and seven to eight miles wide, and contains 
an area of 235 square miles. Abovit forty per cent, of the area is in culti- 
vation. Surface is level, soil rich and alluvial on the streams; on the up- 
lands, light and sandy, and easily improved. 

Farm products are corn, wheat, oats, rye, sweet and Irish potatoes. 
Clover does well, and the raising of clover seed has assumed considerable 
proportions. Garden vegetables and fruits of all kinds, and of the best, 
are produced. Fowls and eggs, in great abundance, are marketed. The 
trucking interest is largely on the increase. 

There are some very good breeds of stock kept, and conditions are im- 
proving yearly in this respect. 

This county is scarcely second to any in the State in the extent and 
value of its fisheries and oyster beds, and water fowls abound in great 
abundance. The fishing season lasts about half the year, employing a 
large number of men and vessels. There are many large and important 
fish factories in operation in the county engaged in the manufacture of 
fish-oil and fish fertilizers ( commonly known as fish chvim ) , and this in- 
dustry ranks as the most profitable in the county. Other enterprises are 
oyster packing plants, canneries, saw mills, planing mills, etc. Unparal- 
leled commercial facilities exist on account of its numerous navigable 
waters, with coast-line and inland lines of steamers connecting with Balti- 
more, Washington, Alexandria and Norfolk, affording excellent market 
advantages for its products-^melons, fresh vegetables, oysters, fish, . wild 
fowls and poultry. 

The most valuable timbers are oak, pine, poplar and chestnut, consider- 
ably depleted, but still yielding quantities of cord-wood, railroad ties, 
ship-timber, etc. Poplar chiefly is exported. 

Water and drainage is amply supplied by its numerous inland rivers 
and creeks. The climate is temperate, variable and moist, and health 
generally good. Water is of good quality, as artesian wells are easily 
bored, and afford excellent water. 

Churches are numerous and attractive, public and private schools well 
conducted, and telephone service is to all important points. 

Taxes are low, and people generally out of debt. 

Taken as a whole, the county is progressive and up-to-date along all 
lines of public improvement and private enterprise, and offers many in- 
ducements to homeseekers. 

Population, census of 1900, 9,846. Increase since census of 1890, 1,961. 
Number of males twenty-one years and over, 2,486. 

Heathsville, the county seat, is located in the center of the county. 
Population about 300. It has a graded school, lodge of Masons, and several 
churches. Reedville is another town of considerable population and im- 
portance, where a fish factory, for the purpose of manufacturing the im- 
mense catches of menhaden caught in the bay into fertilizer and fish-oil, 
does a large business. 



NOTTOWAY COUNTY. 

Nottoway county was formed in 1788 from Amelia, and is located in the 
south-central part of the State, thirty miles southwest from Richmond. 

It is twenty-five miles long by about twelve miles in width, and has an 
area of 304 square miles. Average size of farms, 85 acres. 

Lands in this county are low. Many valuable tracts can be bought at a 
very reasonable price. The surface is rolling, and soil a clay loanl. 

Principal farm products are wheat, corn, oats and tobacco ; especially 
the latter, of which the yield is very large and of excellent quality. 

Railroads are the Norfolk and Western and the Southern, which inter- 
sect at Burkeville, and furnish convenient transportation facilities for the 
products of the county. Minerals are kaolin, mica, granite and soapstone, 
but undeveloped. There are five banks in the county. 



196 

The most valuable timbers are pine, oak, hickory, walnut, poplar, chest- 
nut, cedar and ash. 

Ample water supplj'- and drainage is furnished by the Nottoway and Lit- 
tle Nottoway rivers, and numerous creeks, tributaries of the Appomattox, 
on which are situated flour mills and sawmills. 

Public schools and churches abound; there are three high schools. 

Population, census of 1900, 12,366. Increase since census of 1890, 784. 
Number of males twenty-one years and over, 2,668. 

Nottoway, the county seat, is located near the center of the county, on 
the Norfolk and Western railroad. Population 175. It has a grist mill, 
public graded school, private school, fraternal order, and excellent water 
power. 

Other towns are Burkeville, Crewe and Blackstone. 

Burkeville is a thriving, growing town, located in the northwestern 
portion of the county, at the intersection of the Norfolk and Western and 
Southern railroads. It has a population (census of 1900), of 510, which 
is an increase of 106 since last census. 

Crewe is a railroad town, and, although the youngest, is the most popu- 
lous in the count}', having a population (census of 1900), of 1,329, an 
increase of 442 since census of 1890, and growing in size and importance. 

Blackstone, also a comparatively new town (having been built up since 
the war), is a place of considerable importance and business, being the 
largest shipping point for produce on the Norfolk and Western railroad 
from Lynchburg to Petersburg. Blackstone is primarily a tobacco market, 
being the fifth largest market for dark tobacco in the State. Its business 
in this line was exceedingly prosperous last year, showing a considerable 
increase with a number of busy warehouses. It has two very prosperous 
banks, which show a decided increase of business over the previous year. A 
factory for the manufactui'e of handles and spokes is one of the new in- 
dustries established recently, and is ■ now in successful operation. The 
Blackstone Manufacturing Company now has an electric plant, by which 
they can carry on their work night and day. There is an up-to-date tele- 
phone exchange extending to adjoining counties, and a fine new passenger 
depot has been built which would be an ornament to a larger town. The 
Blackstone Horse Exchange has been organized, with the result that it is 
now one of the good horse markets in the State. $15,000 has been invested 
in water works soon to be constructed, and numerous business houses and 
priA'ate residences have been recently erected, the toA^ai limits thereby being 
considerably extended. There have been large sales of town lots, besides 
other large deals in real estate. The freight and passenger receipts of the 
railroad have multiplied largely, and business of all kinds shows large 
increase. Besides the above there are numerous stores and shops, a fer- 
tilizer factory, bark, sumac and grist mills, tobacco factory, several good 
churches, public school buildings, two splendid institutes — male and 
female — and an influential newspaper. 



ORANGE COUNTY. 

This county was formed from Spotsylvania in 1734. It is situated in the 
Piedmont section, sixty miles northeast from Richmond. Its greatest 
length is thirty-eight miles, and width ranges from five to fourteen miles, 
containing an area of 349 square miles. 

The surface in the eastern part is undulating and hilly ; mountainous 
to some extent in the central and western portions, with about one-third 
of the area in cultivation, of Avhich the greater portion is of most excellent 
quality. The soil is a dark red clay, producing large crops of grain, grass 
and some tobacco. 

This is a fine grass-growing and grazing county, and, as a result, the 
rearing of cat4;le and sheep, of good quality, is extensively carried on; and 



197 

for sheep especially, it is perhaps second to none outside of the blue grass 
region. 

This county is peculiarly adapted to the growing of apjjles, cherries, 
grapes, and all the standard varieties of fruit. The raising of small fruits, 
especially, is a rapidly-increasing and profitable industry. Large areas are 
being appropriated to vineyards, and large quantities of grapes are annu- 
ally shipped to the northern markets. Fruit growing and stock raising 
rank as the most profitable industries of the county. 

The Southern, Chesapeake and Ohio, and the Fredericksburg railways 
afford excellent transi^ortation facilities to all parts of the county. 

Minerals are iron, gold, asbestos, fire claj', marble and limestone, some 
of which have been successfully worked. 

The supply of timber is very good, consisting of oak, hickory, walnut, 
pine, chestnut, poplar and sycamore. The county is abundantly watered 
by the Eajsidan and North Anna rivers, and their numerous tributaries, 
which also afl'ord excellent water power. 

Climate, health and water are all that could be desired, and churches of 
the diflferent denominations are numerous and conveniently located. Pub- 
lic and private schools afl'ord abundant educational facilities. 

This county, with its great diversity of agricultural products, fine fruit 
and grazing facilities, fine water, pure mountain air, and ready access to 
good markets, is a very desirable section for home seekers who want to 
engage in agricultural pursuits. 

Population, census of 1900, 12,571. Number of males twenty-one years 
and over, 2.785. 

Orange, the county seat, is located in the west-central part of the county, 
eighty miles northwest from Richmond, and is the center of the railroad 
system of the county. Elevation above sea level, 524 feet. Population, 
census of 1900, 536. It has made large progress during the past few 
years, embracing a handsome bank building, a new postoffice building, an 
electric light plant, a fire department, several attractive and commodious 
business establishments, and a large number of new dwelling-houses. There 
are also steam grist mills, newspapers, and a graded school, lodge of 
Masons, and numerous churches. The mills are doing the largest business 
in their history, and their products are being shipped in large quantities 
to many points. 

Gordonsville, another town of considerable importance, is situated in 
the extreme southwest portion of the county, at the junction of the Chesa- 
peake and Ohio, and Southern railways, and has a population, census of 
1900, of 603. This place has shown marked improvement of recent years 
in its electric plant, new concrete pavements, banks, etc. Gordonsville has 
excellent schools, public and private — the Piedmont Academy ranking as 
one of the best schools in the county. Many western people have settled 
in the town and surrounding county, and both the merchants and farmers 
report a steady growth in trade. 



PAGE COUNTY. 

Page county was formed in 1831 from Shenandoah and Eockingham, and 
constitutes a part of the rich and beautiful valley of the Shenandoah. 

It is situated in the northern part of the State, ninety miles northwest 
from Richmond. The whole county is a valley thirty miles in length, and 
about eleven miles in width, with' the Blue Ridge for its eastern and the 
Massanutten mountains its Avestern boundaries. The Shenandoah river ex- 
tends through its entire length, and the county contains an area of 317 
square miles. 

The surface is gently undulating, and the soil a rich limestone of great 
fertility, yielding large crops of wheat, corn, oats, rye, and the grasses. 
Grazing facilities, especially in the Blue Ridge section, are excellent, and 




"IN THE SHADE OF THE OLD APPLE TREE." 
The famous tree pictured above is the "Handy" apple tree in Patrick county, and has 
borne 132 bushels at one crop. 



199 



Snf coivenient transportation f-/^^^-'. -.f.^^f.faJi^gton, these 
Situated within five hours' run of Baltimore ^^cl VVa . ^^^ 

cities afford excellent markets, though much ot the pouty,y ^^^ 
vegetable products find a home market m the hotels, Doaiam^ 
neries, and other enterprises. „,,„o.„np=e limestone and marble, the 

Minerals are ii;on, copper ««1^«' ^ \f T n g S?^^^^^^^^ -^^ being 

most important of which are iron (^'^^ fj".^ litv which is shipped 

extensively marl^ted), and^^an^.es of -l-^X^Itivity recentirin 
to northern furnaces, tneie "'i'' » nrosuect for their more extensive 

the manganese and copper ™";^^' ^^^^iS^ P^J^Prochi-e mine at Stanley, in 
development and operation i%§«*''^-^,.^Vion There is much valuable timber, 
this county, is in very «^\««^^f ^^^ J^^^^*^^" beino worlSd by the large num- 
such as oak, pine, walnut, ash '^"^ P^Pj^^' ^^ ,"d%Ts J large quan- 

ber of sawmills in operation m the county, and f^\W\P J f -^ ^^ ^^^ 
titles of tanbark for its numerous tanneries and leatoei ^^^ . ^^^ 

, extensive business ^^^PP-g ™«f^ ^,^^/J "f^.e^oJ^tw^ fl«-i-g 

S' ^Z^^'STJ^e'^^r^J'L^^^ largest en- 

and its branches afford a i3entiful ^^^ ^^ ^^^talth'fr" fnd free from 
power. The climate is mild and in^^^^^;' ^' rpj^ ^^^e also a num- 
Sialaria. Water is '^f-^'^\^-lf'^^'^:tZ^^^^^^ in every 

ber of chalybeate and sulphur spimgs in ^|f ^^^7^, , ^e desired. Tele- 
neighboiWd, and edii^ationa^^dvan^^^^^^^^^ 

phone service is ample, and *^^;^^? ^, ,f; ^. ^^^ 4%re prosperous, as shown by 
^^l^rSSe^r^tr^^/:^^:o^^^or^ bemg handsome 

^'?opuKtion rtuntf census of 1900, 13,794. Increase since census of 
18^2'^ Number o^-les t.^ity.ne^^^^^^^^ ^_,, 

. of^^^^^HteJl^ 

SS:m^s:&edl2t?!Lrp^^^^ 

f[:^£idTtel^aTclm:'aUrs"^^ts wo^dLlul caverns have a national 

^^gh^niah is a growing town sit^a^d in^ -^™ P-J;^^-^ 
It 1-- a population census of 1900 of 1220 wliiclw^^^ ^^^^^ .^ ^^^^^ 

raiVvtr:Tgo,^aJi: ISri^'Z:^^ operation,^producing a maximum 
of 140 tons per day. 

PATRICK COUNTY. 



200 

forms its western boundary. It contains an area of 489 square miles. The 
surface is hilly and mountainous in the western part, with fine bottom 
lands along the numerous streams. The soil varies from sandy to a red 
loam, and is productive. 

Farm products are corn, wheat, oats, rye, tobacco and the grasses. In 
the southern half of the county, along the North Carolina line and the por- 
tion adjoining Henry county, is the fine tobacco belt. About half of the 
county is really in the famous Blue Ridge section, well adapted to grain, 
grass and cat'tle, especially the northern portion on the "Meadows of Dan" 
— a beautiful plateau on and near the top of the Blue Ridge. Stock raising- 
is a considerable industry, and with proper attention could be made very 
profitable. 

This is an exceptionally fine county for fruit. The soil and climate are 
peculiarly adapted to its growth, and the people, realizing these advantages, 
are turning their attention largely to its culture. To those who are in- 
terested in this industry, Patrick offers inducements second to none in the 
State. Lands are cheap, and apples grown here have taken first honors 
for size, color and flavor wherever exhibited. There are thousands of acres 
of first-class lands in the county, notably on the face and at the foothills 
of the Blue Ridge, and in the rich coves, that are unexcelled for apples and 
fruit of all kinds; these lands can be bought for from $4 to $6 per acre, 
producing more and better fruit than lands in other sections rating at $50 
to $100 per acre. 

Railroads are the Danville and Western, extending from Danville to 
Stuart, the county seat. The Mount Airy and Eastern railroad extends 
from Mount Airy, North Carolina, to the lumber districts of the western 
part of the county, some twenty-one miles, having been built to carry out 
the timber. The recent survey for the Mount Rogers and Eastern railroad, 
through the northern part of the county, is also interesting the people 
very much, and brightening the prospects for better railroad facilities in 
the near future. The Norfolk and Western railroad is also building a 
branch road to the Hairston Iron Works. 

The minerals of this county would be a source of material wealth if de- 
veloped. They are iron (magnetic and hematite), manganese and lead. 
The iron is of very superior quality and of unlimited 'quantity, and was 
worked by the Confederate government during the war. There are also 
extensive quarries of very valuable building stone, and soapstone is found 
in large quantities. 

There are several mineral springs in the county, notably the famous 
"Patrick Springs," seven miles below Stuart, which is filled every summer 
to its utmost capacity by the people of Danville and Martinsville; and 
some wonderful cures have been eff"ected by its waters. 

The forest growth of this county consists in the main of oak, walnut, 
poplar, pine, maple, ash, hickory, chestnut, beech, cherry, sycamore, and 
other hard woods. Yellow poplar, and oak timber for staves, framing tim- 
ber, tanbark and cross-ties, are the leading and most valuable timbers of 
the county, and the supply- — especially of the oak — is practically inexhaust- 
ible. Patrick is rich in all the hard woods, except pine and walnut, most 
of the latter having been shipped out. 

All sections of the county are well watered by the Dan, Little Dan, Ara- 
rat, North and South Mayo and Smith rivers and their numerous tribu- 
taries, and the water power is abundant for manvifacturing purposes. Nu- 
merous sawmills and roller flour mills are located on these streams and in 
diff'erent sections of the county. 

The climate is excellent — pleasant in summer, and not too severe in 
winter. 

There are quite a number of public schools and churches in the county 
convenient to all sections. Stuart Normal College, located at the county 
seat, is an excellent school for the equipment of teachers for work in the 
public free schools. Mail facilities of the county are ample, and its finan- 



201 

cial condition is good. Considerable attention is being given to the roads 
of the county, and a new turnpike from Stuart towards Meadows of Dan 
and Floyd has been built. All that is needed to advance the county to the 
front rank in importance is capital to develop its resources. Ten miles dis- 
tant from Stuart is "Lover's Leap," and within about twenty miles are the 
"Pinnacles of Dan," which are among the most beautiful of all mountain 
scenery. 

Stuart, the county seat, is a village of 371 inhabitants, censiis of 1900. 
It is situated on South Mayo river, and is the western terminus of the Dan- 
ville and Western railroad, from which large quantities of fruit, vegetables, 
poultry and other produce are shipped to the markets. The streets are 
graded and lighted, and it has two banks, two schools, four churches, two 
fraternal orders and a newspaper, a business men's association established, 
and a joint stock companj^, organized for the purpose of erecting a furniture 
factory, and a hardwood working establishment. 

Population of county, census of 1900, 15,403. Increase since census of 
1890, 1,256. Number of males twenty-one years and over, 3,218. 



PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1767 from Halifax, and is the central southern 
county of the State, 110 miles southwest from Richmond, and bordering the 
jSTorth Carolina line. It is thirty-five miles long and about twenty-five 
miles wide, and is the second largest county in area in the State, containing 
986 square miles. 

Numerous farms in the county have been sold to northern buyers at good 
prices. The surface is generally rolling and hilly, with some low moun- 
tains ; but a very large area of fertile bottom lands along the streams. The 
soil is varied in character and adaptable for the cultivation of almost every 
known crop of the latitude. The soil of the uplands is light, gray and 
gravelly; producing an immense quantity of the finest bright yellow to- 
bacco, nearly doubling in quantity any other county in the State, and total- 
hng over 17,000,000 pounds by last census, and constituting it the money 
crop of the county. The soil of the lowlands along the streams varies from 
a stiff red to a sandy character, and is very fertile, producing fine crops of 
corn, wheat, oats, rye and grass. Fruits and vegetables of all kinds com- 
mon to other sections of the State are grown to great perfection, and, to- 
gether with the dairy products, peanuts, etc., are sources of considerable 
revenue to the farmer. 

_ Market advantages are excellent, supplied by its convenient railroad fa- 
cilities and the large demand at Danville, its manufacturing city. 

For stock raising, it is principally noted for its large number of mules, 
and very recently lands have been purchased in the county bv parties from 
without for the purpose of stocking them with high-bred horses. Stock- 
raising presents an inviting field of operation in this countv, all the con- 
ditions being favorable to it. 

This county has excellent railroad facilities, having connection with Rich- 
mond, Lynchburg, Martinsville, Greensboro and Norfolk, through its va- 
rious lines — the Atlantic and Danville, Danville and Western, and the 
Southern and its branches. 

Minerals also abound, the most notable of which is magnetic iron ore, a 
high grade of which is found in a productive vein running from Leesville,'in 
Campbell county, southwest, through the countv to the North Carolina 
line. It is worked very profitably at Pittsville, from which mines eight to 
twenty carloads are daily shipped to furnaces at Roanoke, Lvnchburo- and 
Philadelphia. 

Mineral springs are chalybeate and sulphur. Timbers are hickory, oak, 
chestnut and pine, some of which is original growth, but the greater part 
second growth pine. 



303 

Its streams are Staunton river on the north, and Banister, Dan and Hyco 
rivers in the central and southern portions. These rivers and their nu- 
merous tributary streams afford an ample supply of water and much valu- 
able water power. 

The manufactories of the county (other than those located at Danville, 
which will be mentioned in connection with that city) are a large number of 
flouring and grain mills, steam sawmills, tobacco factories, tanneries, stone 
and marble quarries, chair factory, and a large sash, door and blind plant. 

This county can boast of a climate unsurpassed. Being near the 37th 
parallel of latitude, midway between the waters of the Atlantic, warmed 
by the Gulf Stream on the east, and the sheltering wings of the Appalachian 
range of mountains on the west, it has neither of the extremes of heat or 
cold, and is extremely healthful and free from malaria and epidemics. The 
water is freestone, abundant and good. Churches are numerous and of all 
denominations. With over two hundred schoolhouses, and a school jjopula- 
tion of 20,000, the subject of education is a very absorbing one, and it is 
fully met by the very efficient free school sj'stem of the county, supple- 
mented by many private schools of high standing. 

Telephone service and mail facilities are first-class. Much attention is 
given to road improvements and bridges, over $10,000 being expended an- 
nuallj' for that purpose; and as a result, the county has most excellent 
roads. Progress and improvement is apparent in all lines of agricultui'e 
and business. The financial condition of the county is good. 

The population of the county (independent of Danville), census of 1900, 
is 46,894, making it second in the State in population. Number of males 
twenty-one years and over, 9,892. Value of real estate, $3,819,444.00; 
personalty, $1,138,420.00. 

Chatham, the county seat, situated on the Southern railway, about mid- 
way of the county, has a population of 918 (census of 1900), which is an 
increase of 161 since last census, and is a thriving town of considerable im- 
portance. Its streets are lighted and have brick sidewalks. There are 
numerous churches, factories and fraternal orders; also two banks, public 
schools; newspaper and seven stores. Numerous handsome residences have 
recently been erected, and a general era of improvement and prosperity 
prevails. 



POWHATAN COUNTY. . 

This county was formed in 1777 from Cumberland. It is located in the 
central portion of the State, twenty miles west of Richmond, James river 
forming its northern and Appomattox river its southern boundary. 

It is twenty-five miles long and about fifteen miles wide, and contains an 
area of 284 square miles, one-third of which is under cultivation. 

The surface back from the streams is gently undulating. The soil of the 
county varies from a light gray to a stiff red clay, and is fairly fertile, 
especially on the rivers. 

Farm products are corn, wheat, tobacco, oats and hay, tobacco being 
the principal money crop — the annual yield amounting to 1,000,000 pounds, 
and considered among the best of the dark tobacco sent to the Richmond 
markets. All the grasses do well here, but those principally grown are 
clover, timothy, herd's grass, millet and orchard grass. 

This is one of the finest apple counties in Middle Virginia, and peaches, 
pears, plums, grapes, berries, melons and other fruits yield just as well, 
and but little subject to damage from insects. 

Vegetables are also easily and abundantly grown. Railroads are the 
Southern in the southeastern portion, the Chesapeake and Ohio skirting the 
northern border, and the Farmville and Powliatan through the center of the 
county, affording amjile transportation facilities to Richmond and other 
markets. 



205 

Minerals are coal, mica, kaolin, iron and granite. The coal and mica have 
been developed, and successfully mined. There are several sulphur and 
chalybeate springs in the county, the most important being the Huguenot. 
The sulphur springs near Ballsville also possess valuable medicinal quali- 
ties. Timbers are oak, pine, hickory, cliestnut, beech, etc. 

The James and Appomattox rivers on the north and south borders, and 
their many tributary creeks, furnish ample water supply and excellent 
water power for manufacturing purposes. 

The industries of the coimty are important, the most extensive being the 
Powhatan Clay Manufacturing Company, located at Clayville, which works 
from seventy-five to 100 hands regularly in the manufacture of brick. 
Also the Belmead Wagon Works, located at Belmead, on James river, seven 
miles from the county seat, is doing a thriving business in the manufacture 
of wagons, carts, jumpers, etc. Connected with this plant is a large saw 
and grist mill. There are several other grist mills in the county, besides 
two fine roller flour mills, doing a large business. Another factory worthy 
of notice is the hardwood works, located at Powhatan Courthouse, that 
manufactures croquet sets, shuttle blocks, etc., from dogwood, hickory, ash, 
white oak and persimmon wood. They work a considerable force of hands 
and handle large orders, some for export. Other industries are a spoke 
factory, and pipe factory, at which the famous and "original Powhatan" 
pipe is made. 

The climate is very mild, admitting of outdoor work during the winter 
months, and stock does well with very little feed. 

Churches of the variovis Protestant denominations are numerous and con- 
veniently located to all sections. Public schools are ample and convenient 
to the school population; also there are many private schools. This county, 
as the number of Indian relics indicate, was at one time the hunting and 
battleground of the Red Man, and is happily named for one of their greatest 
chiefs. 

The people are largely the descendants of the French Huguenots, noted 
for their kindness and genuine hospitality; and with its splendid natural 
advantages and cheap lands, capital and well-directed energy only is lacking 
to bring it to the forefront of the counties of the State. 

Population, census of 1900, 6,824. Number of males twenty-one years 
and over, 1,545. 

Powhatan, the county seat, is located near the center of the county, and 
near the Farmville and Powhatan railroad, eleven miles from Dorset sta- 
tion on the Southern railway, ten miles from Miehaux ferry on James river, 
and eight miles from Rock Castle depot, C. & 0. R. R. It is a small country 
village of about 125 inhabitants, and has a saw and grist mill and wood- 
working factory. 



PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1753 from Amelia, and is situated in the 
south-central part of the State, sixty miles southwest from Richmond. It 
is twenty-five miles long and about twelve miles wide, and contains an area 
of 345 square miles (one-third of which is in cultivation). The surface is 
rolling; soil, varied; gray loam, red and chocolate loams, or sandy; gener- 
ally productive and well adapted to the various farm products. Tobacco 
yields from 300 to 1,000 pounds per acre; wheat, eight to thirty bushels; 
corn, ten to fifty bushels; oats, ten to fifty bushels; potatoes, fifty to 300 
bushels ; and all forage crops, especially the legumes, are produced. But 
tobacco is the most profitable industry — the soil and climate being pecu- 
liarly adapted to it. The grasses — clover, timothy, red top, or herd's 
grass — are also profitably grown. This is not a natural grazing section 
save for sheep, and in that particular it ranks Avell. All the fruits and 
vegetables common to Virginia do well here. 



206 

Transportation and market facilities are ample, and furnished by the 
Southern, Norfolk and Western, and Farmville and Powhatan railroads. 
The minerals are iron, mica, copper, kaolin, coal and building stone; but 
all, as yet, undeveloped. Timber supply near the railroads has been much 
culled out, but in the central portion of the county pine, oak, hickory and 
poplar are in considerable abundance. 

Ample water supply is furnished by the Appomattox river in the northern 
part, and numerous small streams in the middle and southern portions; 
these latter affording considerable water power, on which are located several 
flour and sawmills of large capacity. Climate temjDerate and exceedingly 
healthful. Springs abundant, and of purest freestone water. 

Churches of all Protestant denominations are ample for the population. 
Educational advantages are very superior — with Hampden-Sidney College, 
the State Female Normal, and a fine system of public free schools and five 
high schools. Mail facilities ample — four daily mails. Telephone service 
now well organized and very useful. 

Financial condition of the county is very favorable, and above the average 
county in the State. There are five first-class banks in the county. Few 
counties in the State are superior in the requisites for health, wealth and 
happiness. Intelligent and refined society, a moral and hospitable people, 
good lands and good improvements at cheap rates, are strong inducements 
to the intending settler, a number of whom from the North and West have 
already availed themselves of the advantages offered, and purchased farms 
in the neighborhood of Green Bay (on the Southern railway), in this 
county. 

Population, census of 1900, 15,015. Increase since census of 1890, 351. 
Number of males twenty-one years and over, 3,156. 

Farmville, the principal town and county seat, is situated in the northern 
part of the county, on the Appomattox river, at the junction of the Norfolk 
and Western and Farmville and Powhatan railroads. It is a thriving town 
of 2,471 inhabitants (census of 1900), and a place of considerable impor- 
tance as a tobacco manufacturing center, being the fifth largest in the 
State, and an educational center. 

The State Female Normal School is located here, and Hampden-Sidney 
College, six miles distant, reached by a good macadamized road, both 
thrifty and popular. 

The Farmville Lithia Springs are noted for the curative properties of its 
waters, which are shipped to all parts of this and foreign countries. It 
has water works, paved streets and electric lights, a high school, several 
public schools, newspapers, bank, numerous churches and fraternal orders, 
and a business men's association; also a number of tobacco factories, wood- 
working establishments, fertilizer factories, woolen mills, a cannery and 
mill. Other towns are Prospect and Worsham. 



PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1702 from Charles City, and is located in the 
eastern portion of the State, seventeen miles southeast from Eichmond, on 
the south bank of the .Tames river, which separates it from its mother 
county. It is triangular in shape, and contains an area of 302 square 
miles. 

The svirface is generally level. Soil, sandy loam and clay subsoil, gen- 
erally thin; tliough there are extensive tracts of valuable alluvial lands 
on the rivers. 

Farm products are corn, cotton, peanuts, tobacco, wheat, oats and the 
grasses, the light warm lands of the southern portion being best adapted 
to the peanut and cotton industries. The lands are well adapted to apples, 
pears, peaches, plums, quinces and grapes; and berries, both wild and culti- 
vated are abundant. The section adjacent to the river landings and 



207 

Petersburg are cultivated largely in trucking. Fish are abundant in the 
inland ponds and James and Appomattox rivers; and the marshes furnish 
water fovi^l of the choicest varieties. 

Grazing facilities and the production of improved grasses is considerable, 
and live stock of all kinds do well. Transportation facilities, supplied by 
the navigable rivers (the James and Appomattox), and the Norfolk and 
Western railway and Atlantic Coast Line, are ample, and convenient to all 
parts of the county, affording easj' access to the local and the northern 
and southern markets. 

Marl of various sorts is abundant, and has been extensively used with 
good results. Fine white sandstone and valuable clays of several kinds 
have been developed to some extent. Timbers are pine, poplar, oak walnut, 
gum, persimmon and other hard and soft woods, much of which is shipped 
north. 

The James and Appomattox rivers and their tributaries on the north, 
Blackwater river in the center, and the tributaries of the Nottoway river 
in the southern portion of the county afford ample water supply and drain- 
age; and there is fine water power at Falls of Appomattox, as yet imdevel- 
oped. Numerous saw, grist and flour mills are located in the county; 
also cotton gins, peanut factory, brick kilns, etc. 

Climate is mild and equable, health good, and hygienic conditions care- 
fully guarded. Water is soft, palatable and healthful. 

Churches of the various denominations are sufficient for the population. 
Educational advantages (primary and grammar grade) very good. Mail 
facilities and telephone service ample, the latter consisting of local and 
long-distance service to Norfolk and Richmond. 

The farmers are improving their lands and becoming more prosperous; 
the financial condition of the county very good and growing better. 

Population, census of 1900, 7,752. Number of males twenty-one years 
and over, 1,839. 

Prince George Courthouse, the county seat, a small inland village, is 
located in the northwest central portion of the county, and has several 
churches, a public school, and Masonic lodge. The nearest market is Pe- 
tersburg, seven miles distant, with which it has daily mail communication. 

Other towns are City Point and Newville. The former, situated nine 
miles from Petersburg, at the junction of the James and Appomattox rivers, 
is a shipping point of considerable importance, with a depth of water at its 
wharves sufficient for the largest class of vessels, and was used by the 
Federal government as a base of supplies during the siege of Petersburg. 



PRINCESS ANNE COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1691 from Norfolk county, and lies in the 
extreme southeast corner of the State, 110 miles southeast of Richmond. It 
contains an area of 285 square miles, one-half under cultivation. 

The surface is level, soil dark loam, marshy and sandy in some sections — - 
with red clay subsoil, easily tilled and generally productive, especially the 
swamp lands in Holland swamp, Eastern Shore swamp and Blackwater. 
There are also some fine lands on the borders of the creeks and inlets. 
Farm products are corn, oats, potatoes and trucks. 

The people are very extensively engaged in the latter, and large qxiantities 
of vegetables and fruits are annually shipped to the northern markets. For 
general trucks this is one of the finest sections of the State, especially 
the Pungo district. This county is noted for its fish — notably the catches 
in Back bay — and oysters of unequalled quality; and wild fowls of great 
variety are found in large quantities, the shipments of which produce large 
revenues to its citizens. 

Nature has been exceedingly lavish to this county in the bestowal of 
natural products, not only in large extent, but of superior quality. This 



209 

is the home of the renowned Lynnhaven oysters and canvas-back ducks and 
other water fowls ; the latter being in such, abundance as to make gunning 
at certain seasons quite a i^rofitable industry. Stock raising is principally 
restricted to the raising of cows for dairy and family purposes, although 
many stock cattle are fed. There are two dairies in the county. Consider- 
able attention is paid also to hogs. 

Transportation facilities are ample and convenient to all sections of the 
county, consisting of Norfolk and Western and Southern railway through 
center, with branch extending south; also the Albemarle canal along the 
southern border, and numerous navigable bays and rivers, besides an ocean 
front of over twenty miles. These afford very superior market advantages. 

Virginia Beach, a famous and attractive summer resort on the Atlantic 
shore, is in this county. It is connected with Norfolk by rail, and largely 
patronized. The timber consists of pine, cypress, oak, gum, cedar, elm, etc., 
and most abundant in the northeast portion of the county. North river 
running south, and the various sounds, bays and creeks afford ample water 
supply and drainage. Numerous sawmills are in operation in the county. 
Barrels, boxes and crates are manufactured ; also large quantities of cypress 
shingles. 

_ The climate is temperate, health fairly good, and water fine in most sec- 
tions. Churches and schools are numerous and conveniently distributed. 
The county is well supplied with telephone communication, and mail facili- 
ties are good. 

Population, census of 1900, 11,192. Increase since census of 1890, 1,682. 

Princess Anne, the county seat, is a small inland country place, situated 
near the center of the county, 118 miles southeast of Richmond, and 18 
miles southeast of Norfolk. Near the village is a steam crate and barrel 
factory. There is also a public school and church. The nearest market 
is Norfolk. 

_ No other toAvns in the county except Kempsville, a small country village 
situated on a branch of the Lynnhaven river, eight miles south of Norfolk, 
and Lynnhaven, a new and improving summer resort. 

With good lands easily tilled, abundant supplies from the waters, cheap 
and convenient access to market, climate pleasant and salubrious, and a 
county showing considerable progress in many respects, it would seem that 
this is a section where all should be contented and prosperous. 



PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1730 from Stafford and King George. It is 
located in the northeast portion of the State, seventy miles air line north 
from Richmond, and within about 30 miles from Washington, D. C, and 
extends from the Bull Run mountains on the north to the Potomac river 
on the south. It contains an area of 353 square miles. 

The lands of this section are low in price, but under a proper system of 
cultivation can be made quite productive, and will undoubtedly increase 
m value and importance, owing to their close proximity to the National 
Capital. The surface is rolling, soil freestone and generally good. Some 
portions of the county contain as fine lands as are to be found anvwhere 
in the State. ^ 

The principal farm products are corn, wheat, oats, rye, potatoes, live 
stock, poultry and fruit. Average yield per acre: corn, 40 bushels; wheat, 
12 bushels; oats, 20 bushels; rye, 12 bushels; potatoes, 100 bushels; and 
hay, one and one-fourth tons. 

In the upper or northern end of the county, there are some fine blue grass 
lands, splendidly adapted to grazing and stock raising; hence cattle and 
sheep are raised in large numbers for the northern markets, and horses 
of all breeds, from draught horses to hunters and racers. Fruit of all 



211 

kinds succeed Avell, and their culture is receiving increased attention. Grapes 
have been found to do well, and quite a large acreage is devoted to the vine 
in different sections. 

Dairy products pay well, there being special facilities afforded by the 
Southern railway for placing the milk from stations in this section on the 
Washington market. Poultry raising lias increased largely during the past 
few years, and is a profitable industry; in fact, the production of any food 
supplies for the Washington market brings good returns. 

Railroad facilities are excellent, and are furnished by the main line of 
the Southern railway, which passes through the center of the county from 
northeast to southwest, and its Manassas division, extending northwest to 
its connection with the Baltimore and Ohio railway at Strasburg; while the 
Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac railway extends through the south- 
east portion, and on a line with the Potomac river. The principal railway 
stations in the county, other than Manassas, are Wellington, Gainsville, 
Hay Market, and Thoroughfare, on the Manassas branch ; Bristow and 
JSTokesville on the main line of the Southern and Occoquan and Quantico 
•on the R., F. & P. railway. These places, while but small villages, are 
the concentrating points for considerable amounts of produce, and, during 
the summer season, the country places tributary to them are popular re- 
sorts for city visitors. 

The Potomac river, on its southeast border, furnishes water transporta- 
tion to that section, and fine fishing shores. Minerals are gold, copper, 
barytes, slate, soapstone, brownstone, limestone, marble and coal, but un- 
developed except brownstone and slate, which are being successfully worked. 

Timbers are pine, oak, hickory, chestnut and cedar. The county is well 
watered by the Potomac, the Occoquan and Bull Run rivers, and these 
streams also afford considerable water power. Its manufacturing enter- 
prises are flouring mills, candy factory, capital $50,000; spoke factory, 
planing and saw mills, barytes mines (employing about 100 hands), and a 
garbage factory, located at Cherry Hill. Climate is mild, being free from 
high and low temperatures. Health is excellent. Water, freestone, from 
springs and wells. Church buildings are good and all the principal denomi- 
nations represented. Educational advantages consist of State Agricultural 
Normal School, Catholic Institute, Manassas Institute, a good system of 
public free schools, and an industrial school for colored j^ouths. Telephone 
service embraces local lines and Bell and Southern long-distance. Mail 
facilities ample and extending to all sections. Public roads are well located 
and in good condition. This county has greatly improved agriculturally 
within the past fifteen years, and the financial condition of her farmers is 
better than at any period since the war. Many northern, western and 
English families have located in the county, cleared and put under cultiva- 
tion large tracts of waste lands and erected thereon substantial improve- 
ments. 

Population of the county, census of 1900, 11,112. Increase since census 
of 1890, 1,307. Number of males twenty-one years and over, 2,796. 

Manassas, the county seat, is situated at the junction of the main line of 
the Southern railway with the branch that extends westward through the 
Shenadoah valley. It is 33 miles southwest of Washington and is a trading 
center for a productive, populous section of the county. It has a popula- 
tion, census of 1900, of 817, which is an increase of 287 since last census. 
Among its industries are a spoke factory, two lumber mills, cigar factory, 
and confectionery factory; also near the town is a brownstone quarry. 
There are numerous churches and public and private schools, a bank, news- 
paper, female college, fraternal orders and a large number of business 
houses. There are many fine residences both at Manassas and in the sur- 
rounding country, which is very picturesque and attractive. Quite a num- 
oer of people from the North have located in this section within the past 
few years. Only a few miles distant from Manassas is the Bull Run bat- 



212 

tlefield, on which was fought two of the fiercest battles of the Civil War. 
Other towns of the county are Oceoquan, population 297 ; Dumfries, popu- 
lation 160, and Brentsville and Potomac. 



PULASKI COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1839 from Montgomery and Wythe, and named 
in honor of Count Pulaski, a hero of the Revolution. It is situated in the 
great Southwest valley, 200 miles air line southwest from Richmond. It 
is 23 miles long from north to south, 18 miles wide from east to west, and 
contains an area of 338 square miles, one-half under cultivation. Surface 
level and rolling and in some parts mountainous. The soil is rich and very 
productive. 

Wheat and corn are the staple grain crops, the average yield of which 
is 15 to 25 bushels of w^heat per acre, and from 35 to 50 bushels of corn 
per acre ; also oats, rye and millet are grown to a considerable extent. The 
soil is well adapted to the artificial grasses, and immense quantities of fine 
hay are annually produced; but the greatest agricultural wealth of this 
county consists in its splendid grazing facilities, being the natural home of 
what is termed the Kentucky blue grass. It is unsurpassed in this respect 
by any county in the State for the territory embraced. 

The quality of cattle produced is very fine — equal to any in the United 
States — and the annual shipments are very large, the great proportion 
being sold for export to the English markets, and that sold in the Balti 
more markets conceded to be unsurpassed and commanding top prices. A 
recent shipment of twenty-four cars from Max Meadows station averaged 
1,465 pounds, and brought the handsome sum of $33,000.00, and another 
shipment of nin^ hundred head from this county averaged 1,450 jjounds 
each. Much attention is paid by the leading agriculturists of the county 
to the introduction of superior breeds of cattle; also of horses, sheep and 
hogs, of which they make fine exhibits at their annual county fair. Large 
numbers of fine riding and driving horses are found in this county, and the 
lamb and wool product is very extensive. 

All the fruits of this latitude, such as apples, peaches, pears, plums, 
quinces and the smaller fruits, grow to great perfection here, and this in- 
dustry is growing very rapidly in interest and importance. The dairy pro- 
ducts and earlj^ vegetables find a ready market at the home towns, and are 
a source of considerable revenue to the people. Other market advantages 
are the numerous furnaces and mines of the county that take a large pro- 
portion of the farmers' surplus, and at good prices. 

This county is well supplied with transportation facilities. The Norfolk 
and Western railroad (the great through line of railway from the Atlantic 
seaboard to the south and east) passes through the heart of the county 
from east to west with two important branches — one, the New River di- 
vision, which passes through the eastern portion of the county and extends 
to the Pocahontas, Flat Top and other coal fields; and the other, the Crip- 
ple Creek division, which leaves the main line at Pulaski City and extends 
up New river, opening up the rich mineral section of the Cripple creek 
valleys. There are also short lines of railway extending to the Altoona 
and Tyler Brush Mountain coal mines, eight and five miles in length, re- 
spectively. 

Noted as this county is for its great agricultural resources, it is no less so 
for its mineral wealth. Though small in the extent of its territory in 
comparison with other counties of this section, Pulaski is making a wide 
and favorable reputation in this respect — its mineral development in the 
past few years probably equalling any county of the State. Within its 
boundaries are found iron and coal in extensive deposits; also zinc, lead, 
manganese, millstone, grindstone, and whetstone rock of superior quality, 
and fine building stone, both in the limes and sandstone, the latter unex- 
celled in quantity and quality. 



213 

Timbers are oak, pine, poplar, locust, walnut and hickory, though all 
kinds of timber common to Virginia forests is plentiful. 

The county is well watered by New river (which skirts its southern 
and northeastern boundaries) and Little river, and their tributaries. 
Among the latter Back creek. Peak creek, Big and Little Reed Island creeks 
and Laurel are the most important. These streams are well adapted to 
fish, the celebrated New river catfish being plentiful in that stream, and 
other streams well stocked with black bass and many other choice varieties. 
They are also capable of supplying a great deal of valuable water power 
for mills and manufacturing purposes. 

Pulaski occupies a prominent, if not the leading, position among her 
sister counties in manufactories. Several large iron furnaces are located 
in this county, and are now, and through all the recent years of depression 
in the iron trade, have been in constant and successful operation. Here are 
also a system of zinc furnaces (12 in number) and the largest in the world, 
reducing the zinc ores of the New river basin to metallic zinc, or spelter, as 
it is called, which is recognized as the standard in the United States, as 
it is in a number of European countries, for alloy in its silver mintage. 

Other public works are a half dozen or more large roller flouring mills, 
many grist mills and sawmills, and a splendily-equipped foundry, making 
various kinds of machinery and fixtures for mills, furnaces, etc. 

The climate is dry, invigorating and comparatively mild. The elevation 
being between 1,800 and 2,000 feet above sea level, the atmosphere is pure 
and free from malaria, rendering it exceedingly healthful. Water, very 
fine, principally limestone, though freestone water is found in some sections. 

Splendid churches of all the Protestant denominations, with good mem- 
bership, Presbyterian and Methodist predominating. Educational advan- 
tages are good, with the public schools in a flourishing condition, fine graded 
schools at several points in the county and good school buildings. Local 
telephone service excellent throughout the county, and long-distance service 
through the Virginia and Tennessee Telephone Company, to points east 
and west. Mail facilities are satisfactory, with five daily mails to Pulaski 
(the county seat), and a daily mail at nearly every other postoffice in the 
county. The financial condition of the county is excellent, and public roads 
good. 

There are several mineral springs containing alum, lithia, and iron, the 
most noted of which is Hunter's Alum Springs near Little Walker's creek, 
eight and a half miles from Pulaski City, which has had a growing reputa- 
tion among the sick dating back 50 years ; and under the new management 
and substantial improvements, it starts out well the present year. 

Population of county, census of 1900, 14,609. Increase since census of 
1890, 1,819. Number of males twenty-one years and over, 3,369. 

Pulaski, the chief town and county seat, is located in the western part 
of the county on the Norfolk and Western railroad 316 miles from Norfolk, 
and 92 miles from Bristol, and is the terminus of the Cripple Creek rail- 
road, extending into the noted iron and zinc ore fields of that section, and 
of the Altoona railroad extending to nearby coal fields on the north. It is 
a beautiful and flourishing town of 2,813 inhabitants (census of 1900), 
and shows an increase of 701 since last census. It is extensively engaged 
in manufactories, having 12 zinc furnaces in one plant in active operation, 
and two large iron furnaces Avhich have been running continuously since 
they were put in blast ten or twelve years ago, except when out for repairs. 
Other manufactories are a large roller flour mill, foundry, and large wood- 
working manufactor}^ These operations, especially the iron and zinc fur- 
naces, employ a large number of laborers, many of them skilled workmen, 
at good wages. No town in Virginia is more favorably located for manu- 
facturing purposes on a large scale. Pulaski boasts of one of the finest 
courthouses and hotels in the State; also a number of handsome business 
houses and residences, many of them built of stone from the sandstone 



214 

quarries near by. The public schools of the city are good and well patron- 
ized, with handsome buildings, well equipped. There are also several ex- 
cellent private schools. Churches are numerous, with good buildings — six 
white, embracing Baptist, Christian, Episcopal, Lutheran, Methodist and 
Presbyterian; and three colored churches — two Baptist, and one African 
Methodist. Recent additions are the Pulaski Opera House, a wholesale 
grocery and a large carriage and machinery building. The Crabtree Min- 
eral Springs, near by, are improved and popular. Other enterprises are a 
newspaper, two banks doing a large business, and several fraternal orders. 
Other towns are Newburn, Churchwood, New River, Dublin, Snowville 
and Allisonia. Some of these towns have manufacturing enterprises, and 
all have considerable population and are of business importance. 



RAPPAHANNOCK COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1831 from Culpeper, and is located in the 
northern portion of the State, 100 miles northwest from Richmond, and con- 
tains an area of 264 square miles — 850 farms, average size farms 195 acres. 
Average price improved farm lands $10 per acre. Average assessed value 
of lands $6.75 per acre. 

The surface is undulating, soil generally fertile and produces fine crops 
of corn, wheat, oats, tobacco, rye and buckwheat. The soil and climate are 
especially adapted to the growth of fruit, and all kinds succeed well. 

There are large areas of fine grazing lands in the county, and fat cattle, 
sheep and hogs, in large numbers, are annually shipped to the eastern 
markets. 

Kaolin and iron have been found, but as yet are undeveloped. Timbers 
are oak, chestnut, pine, hickory, poplar and walnut, and are of good quality 
and of considerable quantity, especially along the line of the Blue Ridge 
movmtains. Owing to inconvenient transportation facilities, very little tim- 
ber is shipped from the county, but is manufactured into lumber by the 
numerous sawmills in operation. The mountain sections furnish large 
quantities of tanbark for market and local tanneries. 

The coimty is well watered by the head waters of the Rappahannock river, 
which also affords most excellent water jjower. In climate, health and 
water it is everything that could be desired. 

Societj' is excellent, and all sections of the county well supplied with 
churches and schools. Mail facilities are ample, and as transportation of 
the products of the county is wholly by wagons, considerable attention is 
paid to the turnpike and other public roads, which are kept in better con- 
dition than most counties with as broken surface; and although without 
railroad facilities, this fine county offers great inducements to settlers on 
its fertile lands, and the grazing is practically convenient to the Baltimore. 
Washington and Georgetown markets. 

Population of county, census of 1900, 8,843. Increase since last census, 
165. Number of males twenty-one years and over, 2,003. 

Washington, the county seat, is located near the center of the county, 26 
miles from Culpeper, on the Southern railway, and 18 miles from Kimball 
on the Norfolk and Western road, with which place it has daily mail com- 
munication. Population, census of 1900, 300. Increase since last census, 48. 

Other towns are Flint Hill, Woodville and Sperryville. At the latter 
place there is a large tannery and many shops for the smaller mechanical 
industries. 



RICHMOND COUNTY. 

This count}' was formed in 1692 from old Rappahannock. It is situated 
50 miles northeast from Richmond in the section known as the Northern 
Neck. It is thirty miles long by about seven miles in width, and contains 
an area of 188 square miles, one-tliird in cultivation. Average price im- 



215 

proved farm lands $11 per acre. Average assessed value $5.50 per acre. 
Surface undulating; soil a sandy loam with clay subsoil, and very fertile 
on the low grounds. 

Farm products are wheat, corn, rye, oats, peas, potatoes, fruits and vege- 
tables, and grasses of various kinds. Trucking is of considerable impor- 
tance and largely on the increase. The most important and profitable pro- 
ducts of the county are the flsh and oysters, in which its streams abound 
in large quantities and of superior quality. Game is abundant and water 
fowl of choice varieties. Grazing facilities are fairly good. The usual 
farm stock — horses, cattle, hogs and sheep — are grown; the latter especially 
are found to be quite profitable. 

There are no railroads, but water navigation is convenient via the Rappa- 
hannock river and inlets, the former being navigable for large vessels. 
Market advantages are excellent by a daily line of steamers to Baltimore, 
Fredericksburg and Norfolk. 

Marl is found in large quantities and is used with good effect on the 
land. Timbers consist of oak, hickory, chestnut, gum, ash, maple, pine, 
dogwood and elm, the pine and oak being converted into lumber by the 
numerous sawmills in operation in the county. Rapjiahannock river and 
numerous creeks afford ample water supply. There are berry and vegetable 
canneries and a barrel manufactory for truck and oyster barrels. The 
climate is mild, health and water good, churches convenient; and educa- 
tional advantages consist of Farnham Academy and numerous public 
schools. Telephone service and mail facilities ample, and public roads kept 
in good repair. This county shows considerable progress, and its people 
are prosperous and contented. There is much to recommend it to home- 
seekers in its mild climate, fertile soil — easy of cultivation — cheap and 
abundant living and convenient access to market. 

Population, census of 1900, 7,088. Number of males twenty-one years 
and over, 1,585. 

Warsaw, the county seat, is an inland country village, situated near the 
center of the county, six miles from the river, and contains a population 
of about 150, one public school, newspaper, fraternal order, and several 
churches. 



ROANOKE COUNTY. 

This county, formed from Botetourt in 1838, is situated west of the Blue 
Ridge mountains in the famous Roanoke valley, 175 miles almost due west 
from Richmond. It is 20 miles long and about 15 miles wide, and contains 
and area of 297 square miles. Altitude at Salem, 1,006 feet. The surface 
is undulating, being divided into valleys and mountains, the latter princi- 
pally on its boundaries. Soil alluvial, clay loam and limestone, very fer- 
tile, especially the valleys. 

This is a splendid agricultural county, producing large crops of all the 
staple products — wheat, corn, oats, rye, hay, etc. This county has, in re- 
cent years, made great progress in fruit culture, all varieties of which 
known to this climate do well; such as apples, pears, peaches, plums, cher- 
ries, apricots, grapes and the smaller fruits. Vegetables also are grown to 
great extent and perfection, which, together with peaches, berries, etc., 
are put up in large quantities by the various canning establishments located 
in the county, and Botetourt county, adjacent. The apple culture espe- 
cially has created much interest in the coimty, and it is coming to be one 
of the foremost apple-growing counties in the State, containing some of 
the largest orchards in the United States. Large shipments of apples are 
annually made to the markets of Europe direct from the orchards, yielding 
to the grower from $5,000 to $15,000 for the year's crop. Trucking is quite 
an important industry, and Roanoke City and the coal fields furnish excel- 
lent markets for this and other farm products. 



21Y 

Grazing facilities in this county, in common with all others in this sec- 
tion of the State, are superior, especially in the blue grass section in the 
northern part. Cattle and sheep are raised extensively, and have direct 
and quick transportation via Shenandoah Valley railroad to the large mar- 
kets, besides supplying the local demand in Roanoke and Salem. 

Most excellent transportation facilities are furnished by the different 
lines of the Norfolk and Western system traversing the county, which in- 
clude the main line east and west — the Shenandoah valley division leading 
northeast to the great cities of that section, and the Roanoke and Southern 
south through the tobacco counties of southern Piedmont and into North 
Carolina. 

The minerals of the county are iron, manganese, barytes, marble, slate 
and limestone, the most valuable and important of which are its iron ores, 
magnetic and hematite, which are in great abundance and of superior qual- 
ity, and are being extensively developed and worked. There are several 
mineral springs in the county, of high reputation for their medicinal prop- 
erties, the most important of which are the celebrated Roanoke Red Sul- 
phur Springs, peculiarly adapted to consumptives. The most valuable va- 
rieties of timber are walnut, poplar, oak, chestnut, pine and hickory. 

The county is watered and drained principally by the Roanoke river and 
its numerous tributaries passing through the center of the county and 
flowing southeast, and to some extent by tributaries of the James, running 
north. These streams furnish some very fine water powers, and are good 
fishing streams for bass and other varieties. Trout are also found in the 
mountain streams. Manufactories consist of flour mills and sawmills, roller 
mill supplies, woolen mills, steam tannery, a fertilizer mill, foundry, and 
a number of canneries. The climate is an average temperature, health 
excellent, water very fine. Churches are numerous, and include all the 
principal evangelical denominations. Educational advantages are very su- 
perior. In addition to its excellent public school system, there are male 
and female colleges of a high order, notably Roanoke College, located at 
Salem, and Hollins Institute, located six miles from the city of Roanoke 
in a most beautiful and picturesque section. Situated 1,200 feet above sea 
level, its climate is salubrious at all seasons, and it enjoys the further ad- 
vantage of having excellent sulphur water on the grounds. This school is 
conducted exclusively in the interest of the higher education of young la- 
dies, and is thoroughly equipped at a cost of over $150,000. The mail 
facilities and telephone service of the county are excellent, and good county 
roads, including a splendid macadamized road, extend through the whole 
length of the county. The county is free from debt, and progress and ad- 
vancement are apparent everywhere. 

Population of the county (independent of Roanoke City), census of 1900, 
15,837. Increase (independent of Roanoke City) since census of 1890, 
1,895. 

The above is a good exhibit of growth in population, as part of the 
county has been annexed to Roanoke City since last census, and the popula- 
tion thereof included with that city in the recent census. 

Salem, the county seat, is situated near the center of the county, in the 
beautiful Roanoke valley, through which flows Roanoke river, and around 
which rise the Blue Ridge and Alleghany mountains. Lying 1,100 feet 
above the sea, it is deservedly noted for its salubrious and healthful climate, 
and is surpassed by no town in the State for beauty of situation, and wide 
expanse, fertility and picturesque scenery of the surrounding country. It 
lies on the main line of the Norfolk and Western railroad, and is connected 
by an electric railway line with Roanoke, six miles distant. The streets 
are well paved and macadamized. The water is of exceptional abundance 
and quality, being supplied by several large springs owned by the town. 
Salem is noted not only for the intelligence and refinement, but also for 
the high moral and religious tone of its population. Its eleven churches 



219 

are well attended, represented by the Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, 
Baptist, Episcopal and Catholic. Its educational adA'autages are of a very 
high order, it being the seat of Roanoke College, an institution for the edu- 
cation of males, Avidely known and justly celebrated as one of the leading 
colleges of the State; during its existence of a half a centurj-, having at- 
tracted students from almost half the States of the Union, and several for- 
eign countries. The college buildings are spacious, imposing brick struc- 
tures; the grounds attractive, with beautiful greensward and luxuriant 
growth of forest and ornamental trees. Its able corps of instructors, labora- 
tory, extensive library, location, and excellent moral and religious influence 
of the community, render it a most desirable school for the young men of 
our State. Other schools are the Salem Female Seminary, the Baptist 
Orphanage and the Lutheran Orphanage. These are comparatively young 
but growing institutions, in numbers and reputation. The graded schools 
(white and colored) rank among the first of the State for efficiency and 
good management. The town is supplied with excellent hotels, and three 
strong banks, two newspapers, and fraternal orders. 

There are a number of flourishing industries and enterprises at Salem, 
some of them very extensive, afl'ording employment to considerable expert 
labor. The most prominent are the machine works, steam tannery, woolen 
mills, carriage and wagon works, brick works, roller flour mills and ice 
factory. 

The population of Salem, census of 1890, was 3,412, and by the local 
school census of 1905, it was over 5.000. 



ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY. 

This county was formed from Augusta and Botetourt in 1778, and named 
from its great natural curiosity, the Natural Bridge. This is one of 
the great valley counties lying between the Blue Ridge and Alleghany 
mountains, 159 miles due west from Richmond. It is 31 miles in length 
and 22 in width, and contains 593 square miles (about three-fourths in 
cultivation). Average size farms, 185 acres. Average price of im- 
proved lands, $20.00 per acre. Average assessed value, $12.00 per 
acre. Farming lands have recently increased very much in value — many 
farms exchanging hands at $50 per acre, and it is not an unheard-of thing 
for farms to sell at $150 jjer acre. 

The surface is rolling and in parts mountainous, especially on the eastern 
and western borders. The soil is chiefly limestone, very fertile and highly 
improA^ed, especially in the central portion of the county. Like all the 
valley counties, this is a rich agricultural and pastoral county, producing 
fine crops of grain and all the cultivated grasses. Fruits of all kinds do 
well, and farm dairying and poultry raising are sources of considerable 
profit. This county has some very fine grazing lands, which render stock- 
raising profitable and the chief farm industrJ^ 

Transportation facilities are very superior, embracing the Chesapeake 
and Ohio ( and its branches ) , the Baltimore and Ohio, and Shenandoah 
Valley railroads. 

The mineral resources of this county are very extensive and constitute 
one of its greatest sources of wealth and importance. Its various mineral 
deposits include iron ore, in large quantity and exceptionally fine quality, 
tin ore. manganese, barytes, kaolin, gypsvmi, marble of superior quality, 
and limestone, from which is j^roduced a superior hydraulic cement which 
has a high reputation and a large demand. Several of these have been 
developed and are being successfully worked. The mineral waters of this 
county are numerous and of wide celebrity, embracing the Rockbridge 
Alum, Jordan Alum, Cold Sulphur, Wilson's White Sulphur and Rock- 
bridge Baths — all places of popular resort for health and pleasure. 

The scenery in many portions of Rockbridge is very grand and pictur- 
esque, and the comity contains several points of great interest to the 



221 

traveler and pleasure-seeker, among which the most noted is the Natural 
Bridge, a natural rock arch 215 feet high and 100 feet wide, spanning Cedar 
creek, a small mountain stream 90 feet. It is famous as being one of the 
greatest natural curiosities in the world, of which Marshall said: "It is 
one of God's greatest miracles in stone." Clay spoke of it as "the bridge 
not made with hands that spans a river, carries a highway, and makes two 
mountains one." Other interesting points are Balcony Falls on the James, 
and Goshen Pass on North river. 

Timber is abundant, of which the principal and most valuable species are 
oak, pine, poplar, walnut, hickory and chestnut. This county is abundantly 
watered by James river through its southern border. North river in the 
central portion, and by their numerous tributaries. They also afford ex- 
cellent water power (some of which is utilized), and good supplies of fish, 
especially of bass in the James. The most important manufactories of the 
county are its large iron furnaces and cement works, both of which are 
extensively and successfully operated. There are also numerous grain and 
sawmills. 

The climate is somewhat variable, though very healthful and invigorat- 
ing, and water excellent. Churches are numerous; also educational ad- 
vantages of a high order. Telephone service and mail facilities afford 
ample communication to all sections. This county is not only one of the 
largest, but ranks as among the most populous and flourishing in the State, 
and great impetus has been given to its advancement the past few years by 
a large influx of capital and enterprise which is shown in the growth of 
its towns and manufacturing plants. 

Population of county, census of 1900, 21,799. Number of males twenty- 
one years and over, 5,135. 

Lexington, the county seat, is situated on North river, near the center 
of the county, surrounded by a beautiful and fertile country. It is an 
active, thriving little city of 3.203 inhabitants (census of 1900). It has 
excellent railroad facilities, being located on the Chesapeake and Ohio and 
the Valley division of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad. It is lighted by 
electricity and has water works that furnish an ample supply of water 
unsurpassed in quality. It has well paved streets, large public schools 
and school buildings, numerous private schools, beautiful churches (no- 
tably Grace Memorial church. Episcopal, which was erected in memory of 
General Robert E. Lee ) , three banks of large capital ; also two newspapers, 
several fraternal orders, a successful wholesale grocery, large flourino- mill 
and woodworking plant. But perhaps Lexington's most notable feature, 
and of which she is justly proud, are its two famous institutions of learn- 
ing, the ^'irginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University— 
the former a State institution founded in 1839 and controlled by a Board 
of Visitors appointed by the Governor; the latter chartered in 1782 as 
Liberty Hall Academy, flrst endowed by Washington, and later receiving 
the added lustre of the name of Robert E. Lee, its president for six years 
after the war. It is now a handsomely endowed, splendidly equipped and 
extensively patronized university. Lexington is also noted as the home of 
Stonewall Jackson before the war, and of Robert E. Lee after the war and 
is the burial place of both. ' 

^ Buena Vista is a new city of large manufacturing importance, beautifully 
situated on North river, and has a population of 2,388, census of 1900. 
Avhich is an increase of 1,344 since census of 1890. Number of males 
twenty-one years and over, 604. It has two railroads— the Shenandoah 
Valley branch of the Norfolk and Western, and the James River and Lex- 
ington branch of the Chesapeake and Ohio; also several good hotels, hand- 
some churches, fine public school buildings, private schools, a beautiful city 
hall and courthouse, good water supply system and electric plant. 

Other important towns are Glasgow, Goshen, CollierstoAvn, BroAvnsburo-. 
and Balconv Falls. "^ 



222 

ROCKINGHAM COUNTY. 

This county was formed from Augusta in the year 1778 — 128 years ago — 
and is almost as old as the Federal government, and lies west of the Blue 
Ridge mountains in the Shenandoah valley, about 130 miles northwest from 
Richmond. It borders on the State of West Virginia on the northwest, 
from which it is separated by the North or Shenandoah mountains. It 
contains an area of 870 square miles. 

Its surfa(?e is rolling and mountainous on the southeast and northwest 
borders. The greater portion is valuable farm land and in cultivation, very 
fertile, and as a grain-producing county it has no peer. In the production 
of wheat, and average yield per acre, it ranks j^i'obably as high as any 
county in the State. Its best farms have produced as high as 45 bushels 
per acre, and 25 bushels is considered a fair average. Its yield of corn, 
oats, rj-e and barley are in like proportion — the latter embracing nearly 
half the product of the State. Not only is this a notably fine grain-pro- 
ducing county, but it is peculiarly a grass and stock section, and this is 
perhaps the principal source of its great prosperity. Hay is grown in great 
abundance, and being a natural blue grass soil, large numbers of choice 
cattle, horses, sheep and hogs are annually shipped from this county to 
the northern markets. Some of Virginia's finest horses are reared in this 
county, and it is considered one of the largest and best horse markets in 
the State, having regular sale days at Harrisonburg, at which the sales 
have been known to aggregate in one day $25,000 to $30,000, principally 
to northern buyers, and at an average price of $100 per head. 

Fruits of all kinds do well. No section of the State is better adapted to 
this industry, and it is receiving increased attention. Railroad facilities 
are excellent, with two main lines (the Baltimore and Ohio and Shenandoah 
Valley railroads) extending through the county from north to south, and 
these connected by a cross line, affording ample facilities for marketing the 
large quantity of graim and other products, and the vast number of cattle, 
horses, sheep and laogs annually shipped to the markets. The extension of 
the C. & W. will, in the early future, bring this county in direct commu- 
nication with the coal region of the west and Richmond in the east. This 
county has also great possibilities in the way of undeveloped mineral re- 
sources. It has iron, manganese, copper, coal, lead, ochre, marble of 
several varieties, and limestone abundant in every section. Mineral waters 
of great virtue are found, the most celebrated being Rawley Springs, eleven 
miles from Harrisonburg. 

Much of the original growth of timber has been culled out, but there 
still exists a considerable quantity, especially in the mountain region, such 
as oak, chestnut, pine, poplar, cedar, etc. 

The county contains a number of rivers and creeks. Of the former the 
principal streams are the Shenandoah, North and South rivers, and it is 
thus well watered and supplied with power for milling and manufacturing 
purposes. Manufactories are numerous and important, embracing more 
than 30 roller mills with a capacity of 50 to 175 barrels flour each per day. 
A large number of sawmills, several large tanneries, woolen mills, fertilizer 
plant, furniture factory, agricultural implement factories, plaster mill, 
foundries and furnaces, canning establishments, and creamery and cheese 
plants. 

The climate is exceedingly healthful and invigorating — cooler in summer 
and winter than the eastern section of the State, and warmer than the 
moimtains. Malarial diseases are entirely unknown. Water excellent and 
principally limestone. Churches are numerous and convenient, all Pro- 
testant denominations having houses of worship throughout the county. 
The public schools of the county rank very high, having been pronounced 
by the United States Commissioner of Education (Harris) the best in the 
State. Telephone service is cheap and efficient, extending over this and ad- 
joining counties, and it is claimed that Rockingham has more rural tele- 



223 

phones than any county in the United States. Mail facilities are of the 
best, ten rural free delivery routes having been established in this county, 
reaching almost every section of it and making it the banner county of the 
State in this respect. 

This is a very progressive county in the improvement of its highways, 
good buildings, and general appearance of thrift and prosperity. Finan- 
cial condition of county and people is excellent. Wealth is probably more 
evenly distributed than any other county of tiie State. Of the $1,OOU,000 
on deposit in the banks, the greater part belongs to the farmers of the 
county, and all the money wanted can be gotten from the banks at 5 per 
cent. Its roads are among the best in Virginia, and furnish good and con- 
venient highways to the various markets throughout the county. Its peo- 
ple are law-abiding, conservative, hospitable and progressive. 

Population of county, census of 1900, 33,527. Increase since census of 
1890, 2,228. Number of males 21 years and over, 8,045. 

Harrisonburg, the county seat, is located in the central part of the 
county, in a rich, prosperous and progressive section 122 miles northwest 
from Richmond, 25 miles from Staunton, and 40 miles from Charlottes- 
ville. It is situated on the Sovithern and the Valley railroads, and has a 
population of 3,521, which is an increase of 729 since last census. It is 
a flourishing town rapidly growing in commercial importance, as is at- 
tested by the number of enterprises recently established, such as the Rock- 
ingham Creamery Company, with six skimming stations in the county, 
using 4,000 pormds milk daily, and making 150 pounds butter and the same 
quantity of cheese. This enterprise is growing rapidly and has a capacity 
of 1,000 pounds of butter daily. The Rockingham Horse and Colt Show 
Association have built a new track at considerable cost, and it is claimed 
to have no superior in the State. This association is doing a good work 
in encouraging stock raising in this section. An evaporating plant has re- 
cently been established here which handles a large quantity of apples, and 
does a profitable business. A new tobacco factory of large capital is doing 
a thriving business in the manufacture of cigars. The city recently put 
in a new sewerage system, and other municipal improvements have been 
inaugurated. Many business and dwelling houses have been erected, and 
others enlarged and remodeled. An annex to the school building has been 
constructed with all modern improvements. The county courthouse and 
other public buildings are among the finest in the State. Other and older 
enterprises are a steam tannery, turning out 100 sides of leather daily. 
Planing mill, ice factory, carriage factory, flouring mills — producing 150 
barrels per day — several graded public schools, four newspapers, two banks, 
a large number of churches, several fraternal orders, electric lights and a 
superior water works system, both owned by the town. 

Other towns are Bridgewater, population 800; Broadway, population 
400; Dayton, poi3ulation 425; Singer Glen, population 108; Timberville, 
population 173; also Mount Crawford, McGaheyville, Dovesville, Keezel- 
town, Mount Clinton, Linville and Port Republic. 

As Rockingham ranks high among the counties of the State in point of 
area, so it claims a place near the head of the list in wealth, industry and 
progress. Thirty-flve years ago, owing to the ravages of war, it lay almost 
a barren waste; to-day, instead of lands and property devastated, plenty 
smiles on every hand, and but for the monuments of her heroes and his- 
tory, no one would ever dream, when surveying its broad acres of waving 
grain and grass, that it had undergone the devastating influence of war. 
At the close of that war its citizens were impoverished, its finances depleted 
and there was a gloomy prospect for the future; but with that energy 
characteristic of her people, houses and barns soon again dotted the land- 
scape; fields were fenced and planted, and since that time Rockingham 
has been taking a leading part in every line of material advancement. To 
the enterprising farmer, one who farms on a business basis, this county 



225 

offers rare advantages; indeed, among the counties of the State none offer 
greater inducements to the prospective resident. 



RUSSELL COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1786 from Washington. It is situated in 
the southwestern portion of the State, 370 miles southwest from Eichmond, 
and bounded north by Buchanan and Dickenson, from which it is separated 
by a mountain range known as Sandy Ridge, south by Washington (Clinch 
mountain forming the dividing line), west by Scott and Wise, and east by 
Tazewell county. This is a large county, being 40 miles long from east to 
west, and 20 miles wide from north to south, containing an area of 503 
square miles — 370,153 acres; 1,579 farms; average size farms, 185 acres; 
unimproved lands, $8.00 to $12.00 per acre; improved lands, $15.00 to 
$50.00 per acre; average assessed value, $5.00 per acre; about three-quar- 
ters of area in cultivation. 

The surface to a considerable extent is broken. There are some very 
fertile sections in the valleys and along the streams, producing fine crops 
of grain and grass, far exceeding the average in most of the counties of the 
State. Especially is it noted for its extensive area of fine blue grass lands, 
upon which are raised large numbers of fine cattle that are annually ship- 
ped out to supply the export market. 

The principal farm products are wheat, corn, oats, hay, rye and potatoes, 
that find a ready and remunerative market in the coal mining region near 
by. Fruits of all kinds common to this latitude do well, especially apples, 
peaches, grapes, etc. Fish, such as black bass, cat and red-eye, abovmd in 
large quantities in the Clinch and its tributaries. The grazing and feed- 
ing, not only of cattle, but of horses, sheep and hogs, is extensively carried 
on, and the quality and breeding is exceptionally fine. Stock raising, es- 
pecially of cattle, is the principal industry of the county. The numbers of 
cattle annually sold from the county is from 10,000 to 12,000 head, of 
which about 3,000 are shipped to European markets. Of sheep there are 
about 10,000, and horses and mules about 5,000. 

Railroad facilities are furnished by the Clinch Valley division of the 
Norfolk and Wesern railroad, which traverses the county from east to west. 
The minerals of this county are extensive and valuable, embracing iron 
ore (red and brown hematite), manganese, coal, lead, zinc, salt, sandstone, 
limestone, marble and barytes. Timber is abundant and of the most valu- 
able varieties, such as walnut, poplar, cherry, locust, chestnut, white and 
chestnut oak, lynn, sugar and hemlock, in its primitive size and beauty. 

This county is well watered mainly by Clinch river and its tributaries, 
in the northern portion, and Moccasin creek, a branch of the Holston, in 
the southwest section. These streams and their tributary creeks afford 
numerous valuable water powers, reliable throughout the year, upon which 
are situated many grain and saw mills. Beautiful river scenery and fine 
landscapes are presented to the eye on every hand. Notably of the latter 
is Elk Garden, Rosedale and other sections, with their splendid grass lands 
limited by the high mountains and threaded by constant streams flowing 
from bold springs; not only filling up the measure of the beautiful, but 
carrying conviction of the great wealth and fertility of this section. This 
elevated mountain section is noted for its healthful and bracing climate 
and splendid water. Churches are numerous and educational advantages 
consist of the jjublic school system in a flourishing condition, private schools 
and a young ladies' institute. 

Lebanon, the county seat, has a population of about 300, and is situated 
near the center of the county a short distance from Cedar creek, and six 
miles from Cleveland, a station on the Clinch Valley division of the Norfolk 
and Western railroad, with which it has daily mail communication. It 
is healthfully located, and contains churches of different denominations, a 
female college, newspaper, fraternal orders, hotels, stores, etc. 



226 

Other towns are Hansonville, in the southwest side of the county on Moc- 
casin creek, a handsome little village, with mill, stores, etc. Honakersville, 
on Lewis creek, on the north side of the county — also Dickensonville and 
other places in the county, such as Honaker, Rosedale, Castlewood and Elk 
Garden, are convenient places of. trade for the surrounding county. The 
Clinchfield Coal Company lias a valuable plant at Dante, which has a ca- 
pacity of 1,000 tons daily. The population of Dante is about 2,500, and 
it is by far' the largest place in the county. 

Total population of county, census of 1900, 18,031. Increase since census 
of 1890, 1,905. Number of males 21 years and over, 4,002. 



SCOTT COUNTY. 

Tliis county was formed in 1814 from Washington, Russell and Lee, and 
is situated in the extreme southwest portion of the State, 350 miles south- 
west from Richmond, its southern boundary being the State of Tennessee. 
It has a population, census of 1900, of 22,694, which is an increase of- 
1,000 since last census, and 4,927 males 21 years old and over. It contains 
an area of 535 square miles, two-thirds of which is in cultivation. The 
surface is rather mountainous and hilly, although there are some fine farm- 
ing and bhie grass lands along Clinch river, which flows through the county 
from northeast to southwest, and on Holston river, in the southern part; 
and also a large amount of land in other sections, while not so smooth, is 
quite productive, yielding good crops of wheat, corn, rye, oats and buck- 
wheat, especially the two former. It is especially noted for its large pro- 
duction of sorghum and maple sugar, also butter and other dairy products. 
There is a considerable area devoted to the cultivation of fruit, such as 
apples, peaches, pears, plums, cherries, and some grapes. 

Grazing facilities are. good and stock raising is an important and profita- 
ble industry, large numbers of cattle, sheep, horses and mules, of good 
grade, being marketed every year, and bringing into the county considerable 
revenue. 

Transportation facilities are furnished by the Virginia and Southwestern 
railroad, extending from Bristol and passing through the county to Big 
Stone Gaj), in Wise, and there connecting with the L. & N. system. This 
road gives a most excellent market in the coal fields of Wise for the pro- 
ducts of the county. A new road, the South and Western, passing directly 
through the county, is now building. This county is very rich in minerals, 
having an abundance of iron ore (red and brown hematite)', manganese, 
lead, coal, marble of various kinds and of superior quality, barytes, fire- 
clay and limestone in abundance. Some of these have been developed and 
mined to some extent. Salt is also known to exist in the southeast corner 
of the county, but to Avhat extent is as yet undeveloped. There are several 
sulphur and chalybeate springs of known efficacy and reputation, the most 
important of which are the Holston Springs, on Holston river, and Hagan's 
Springs, on Stanton creek, in the northern part of the county. Considerable 
areas abound in valuable timber, such as walnut, oak of the various varie- 
ties, pine, ash, cedar, lind, hickory, birch, sycamore, elm, etc. The county 
is well watered by Clinch river and the north fork of the Holston and their 
tributaries, and these streams afford unlimited water power for mills and 
manufacturing purposes. 

Manufactories consist of a large number of grain and saw mills; also 
several bark mills and wood cording machines. A great natural curiosity 
and one of the most Avonderful in America is the great Natural Tunnel, 
over 900 feet long, twelve miles west of Gate City, the county seat, on 
Stock creek, and on the Virginia and Southwestern railroad, both of which 
pass through it, the only place on record where a railroad can go through 
a mountain opened by the hand of God. There can be no scenery more 
grand and imposing than that afforded by the approach to the tunnel on 



227 

the lower side. An immense Avail of limestone rock forms a high butting 
cliff for several hundred yards below, which has been colored in the course 
of time in beautiful tints of red and gray and brown by the waters carrying, 
down its face different solutions of lime, iron and magnesia. It is situated 
about 1,400 feet above sea level, and when it becomes generally known to 
the tourist, its perfectly beautiful and enchanting attractions will draw 
throngs of visitors. 

The climate of this county is equable, health uniformly good, and water 
excellent ; large numbers of churches of the various denominations, fine 
public schools, and one college and six high schools; good telephone service 
and mail facilities. Financial condition of the county first-class and on a 
cash basis; and in the matter of progress and general advancement, condi- 
tions are highly favorable — as much so as adjoining sections. It has a 
splendid population of hospitable, indvistrious and law-abiding people, and 
with its large undeveloped resources, it will assume a high position under 
more favorable conditions of transportation. Gate City, the county seat, 
situated on a branch of the Holston river, and on the Virginia and South- 
western railroad, which extends from Bristol to Big Stone Gap, is an at- 
tractive town of about 700 inhabitants, and has a factory, public school, 
newspaper, two banks and several churches and fraternal orders. 

Smaller towns are Clinchport, population 183; Duffield, population 98; 
Nickelsville, population 200; and other places of considerable business im- 
portance. 



SHENANDOAH COUNTY. 

Shenandoah county, formed from Frederick in 1772, was originally called 
Dunmore, and name changed to Shenandoah in 1777. It lies in the northern 
part of the State 100 miles northwest from Richmond, and joins West Vir- 
ginia. It contains an area of 486 square miles. Price of lands $10 to $50 
per acre, some of the choicest lands ranging as high as $100 per acre. The 
surface is rolling and mountainous in some parts, especially the eastern 
and western sections of the county. About one-half of the area is cleared 
and cultivated. The soil is mostly disintegrated limestone, very strong and 
durable, and a larger proportion of the county is of the best class of bottom 
and valley lands of great beauty and fertility. It is also noted for the high 
state of cultivation which characterizes its improved lands, and is justly 
called, in connection with the other valley counties, the Garden Spot of 
Old Virginia. 

This coimty ranks as among the best grain coimties of the State, espe- 
cially for wheat, which is exported principally in the shape of flour, and has 
a high reputation ; also corn, oats and rye in large quantities are produced. 
The next and probably equally important industry of the county is stock 
raising, considerable attention being paid to the introduction of improved 
grades of catle, sheep, horses and hogs, from Kentucky and elsewhere, and 
this industry is rendered the more profitable on account of the excellent 
grazing facilities in the blue grass uplands. 

Railroads are the Southern and Baltimore and Ohio, which afford ample 
transportation facilities to all sections of the county. 

Minerals are iron ore, coal, manganese, lead, antimony, marble, limestone, 
marl, and some valuable clays. Some of these are being utilized, and others, 
as yet, very little developed. Timbers are oak, chestnut, pine, hickory, pop- 
lar, walnut, ash, etc., existing in fair quantity. 

The Shenandoah Alum and Burness White Sulphur Springs and the Ork- 
ney Springs, especially the latter, are places of much resort for health by 
pleasure-seekers. The north fork of the Shenandoah river traversing the 
coimty its entire length, with its tributaries, aft'ord ample water supply 
and good water power for manufacturing purposes. The climate is tem- 
perate, healthful and invigorating, and the water excellent. Schools and 
churches are abundant, all denominations of the latter being represented. 





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Telephone and mail service is extensive, affording ample facilities of com- 
munication with all parts of the county. 

There are a number of manufacturing concerns over the county as fol- 
lows: five lime kilns, two hardwood factories, ten large flouring mills, ten 
smaller roller mills, most of which are run by water power. There are 
eight banks in the county, and six high schools. 

Population, census of 1900, 20,253. Increase since census of 1890, 582. 
Number of males 21 years and over, 5,032. 

Woodstock, the county seat, is located near the center of the county on 
the Manassas branch of the Southern railway, and has a population, census 
of 1900, of 1,069. Its streets are in good condition, paved with macadam, 
have brick sidewalks and lighted with electricity. A complete system of 
water works is in operation, and several fine buildings have been erected, 
and others are under construction. Its principal industries are flour 
mills, broom and furniture factories, planing mill, lime kiln, fruit evapora- 
tion and sawmills. It has also good public schools, numerous churches, 
a newspaper, several banks, and fraternal orders. The County Agricultural 
Fair (with good grounds well located) is annually held here, which is a 
great stimulus to its agricultural and other interests. 

Other flourishing towns of the county are Edinburg, population 512; 
Mt. Jackson, population 472; New Market, population 684 (an increase of 
77 since last census) ; and Strasburg, population 690 (an increase of 44 
since last census ) . At the latter place are located factories for the manu- 
facture of porcelain, pottery, etc., and several large lime plants, producing 
a very superior quality of lime. 



SMYTH COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1831 from Washington and Wythe and is lo- 
cated in Southwestern Virginia, 240 miles from Richmond. The Clinch 
range of mountains rises to a height of 4,000 to 4,500 feet above sea level. 
The Iron mountain rises in its White Top and Balsam peaks (in the south- 
Avest corner) to the magnificent height of 5,540 and 5,720 feet, respectively, 
marking them as the highest in Virginia. 

The county is thirty-two miles in its greatest length from north to the 
south, and twenty-two miles miles wide from east to west, and contains an 
area of 486 square miles. The surafce is mainly hilly, and mountainous in 
parts. The valleys of the north, middle and south forks of the Holston 
river, including Rich Valley on the north side of Walker's mountain, and 
Rye Valley on the south side of the county, show all the fine features char- 
acteristic of the best lands of the Valley of Virginia. There is a large area 
of level or river bottom land lying along each of these rivers, affording 
alluvial deposits of great depth and fertility, and capable of constant crop- 
ping without deterioration. The lands are mainly in the limestone area 
and yield largely of the various crops produced — corn, wheat, oats, rye, 
buckwheat, hay and tobacco. Cabbage is. a very remimerative crop, large 
quantities of which are produced and shipped from the county to southern 
points and the coal fields every year. Dairy, orchard and vegetable pro- 
ducts are very considerable and sources of much revenue to the farmers. 
Fish culture should become an important industry in this county. The 
streams are well adapted to game fish and are very well stocked with dif- 
ferent varieties, such as bass, red eye, chub, suckers, and some mountain 
trout. 

The most profitable branch of labor in this county is stock raising and 
grazing. The area of limestone or strictly grass lands probably embrace 
more than half the county. In Rich valley, Saltville and other sections of 
the county, are foimd thousands of acres of blue grass of indigenous growth, 
equalling in every respect the far-famed blue grass lands of Kentucky; and 
as a consequence large numbers of fine cattle are annually raised and ex- 



230 



ported. Much attention is paid to the grade of cattle, and this county can 
boast of having the largest herd of short horn cattle in the State, and is 
also noted for its fine horses and sheep. 

Transportation facilities are ample, with the Norfolk and Western rail- 
road passing through the center of the county from east to west, bringing 
the county into communication with the eastern seaboard, and the western 
and southern lines of railway. Its Saltville branch, connecting at Glade 
Spring, Washington county, leads back into this county and will ultimately 
be extended. A new line of railroad, connecting Avith the Norfolk and 
Western at Marion, has been built into the Rye valley to reach the valuable 
timber and mineral of that section. 

This county possesses unusual importance on accoimt of its great mineral 
wealth, the principal source of which is the immense deposits of salt and 
plaster at Saltville and vicinity. The latter is also developed and being 
mined in other sections of the county. These salt and plaster deposits are 
considered to be the most extensive and valuable to be found in the United 
States, immense quantities of each having been mined and manufactured 
for many years, bringing into the county a large annual revenue. There is 
also a large alkali plant at Saltville devoted to the manufacture of alkali, 
soda ash, bleaching powder, etc., erected at a cost of $3,000,000, and em- 
ploying a large amount of labor. Besides her rich deposits of salt and 
plaster, she has within her borders valuable deposits of iron ore of the 
diflferent species (brown, red, hematite, magnetite, and iron pyrites), lead, 
zinc, barytes, manganese, marble, kaolin, in brick, clay, limestone and onyx 
stone. A full description of these minerals would require more than the 
alloted space for this subject. Some very fine timber is still to be found, 
especially in the mountain sections, consisting of walnut, poplar, ash, oak, 
pine, hickory, hemlock and maple. 

The county is watei'ed almost wholly by the different branches of Holston 
river (the north, middle and south, forks), the two latter having their 
sources in the covmty, and all flowing southwestwardly toward Tennessee. 
In Rye valley, this county, are some of the head waters of Cripple creek, 
which flows eastwardly to New river. These streams, especially the Hol- 
ston waters and their tributaries, afl'ord extensive -water power. 

Besides the extensive alkali and salt works at Saltville, there are other 
important manufactories in the covmty. such as iron furnaces and forges, 
woolen mills, tanneries, brick works, and the requisite number of good grist 
and saw mills. In the three important elements and attractions to any 
county — climate, health and water — it will not be amiss to say that this 
county equals any in the State. Churches representing the different religious 
denominations are very numerous, and the public school system is kept up 
to a high state of efficiency. Telephone service reaches nearly all sec- 
tions, and mail facilities are extensive and all that could be desired. In 
all material, social, and other respects, this may justly rank among the 
first of the counties of the southwest, or of the State and very few sections 
of the United States deserve more favorable mention. Its increase in popu- 
lation shows that it is being appreciated. 

Population, census of 1900, 17,121. Increase since census of 1890, 3,761. 

Marion, the coimty seat, is a thriving, handsome town of considerable 
business importance near the center of the county, on the middle fork of 
Holston river, 275 miles southwest by rail from Richmond, on the line of 
the Norfolk and Western railroad and at the terminus of the Marion and 
Rye Valley railroad. It has a population (census of 1900) of 2,045," which 
is an increase since last census of 394. Its streets are lighted and macadam- 
ized. It has an excellent water supply, wood and other factories, a fine 
flouring mill, good hotels, and churches, stores, newspapers, fraternal orders, 
female college, graded public school, and is the site of the Southwestern 
Lunatic Asylum. Much improvement is shown in the erection and repair 
of buildings ; and the quarries, ore mines, and other works in and near the 



231 

town have been very active and prosjserons. A very handsome and complete 
brick courthouse, with stone trimmings, has just been completed at the cost 
of $50,000, and a large new furniture factory also has been finished and 
put in operation during the last year. A very important and extensive new 
enterprise in Smyth is that of the Spruce Pine Lumber Company. They 
purchased a large tract of 30,000 acres of virgin spruce lying in Smyth and 
Grayson, and acquired the new Rye Valley railroad, extending about thirty 
miles into this region, where it is stated there is sufficient supply to last 
their extensive mills 20 years. These steam sawmills are located near 
Marion, and are turning out daily an immense quantity of lumber from 
the supply of timber brought over their own road. 

Saltville is an exceedingly attractive town, beautifully situated in a 
lovely vale, and is the center of an immense trade growing out of its alkali 
works, salt manufacturing, plaster mining, etc. It has a good hotel, taste- 
ful church, handsome residences, stores, and numerous factories, with their 
appurtenances. Holston Mills and Chilhowie are also towns of considerable 
size and business. At the latter is situated the large flouring mills and the 
Virginia Vitrified Brick and Sewer Pipe Company, which ship its products 
of hard paving brick and pipe extensively in this State and beyond its bor- 
ders. A new lumber sawing plant of importance has recently been estab- 
lished at Adkins, on the Norfolk and Western railroad. 



SOUTHAMPTON COUNTY. 

Southampton was formed in 1784 from Isle of Wight. It lies in the 
southeastern portion of the State, 50 miles from Richmond and bordering 
the State of North Carolina on the south. It contains an area of 609 square 
miles. 

The surface is level, soil a medium light and sandy loam with clay sub- 
soil, considerably worn, though naturally very productive, especially the 
broad and fertile lowlands on the streams. 

Farm products are cotton, corn, rye, oats, tobacco, potatoes and peanuts. 
Southampton ranks all the other counties of the State in the production of 
cotton, raising over 5,000 bales annually. Cotton gins are conveniently 
located in different parts of the county. Cotton and peanuts may be con- 
sidered the most profitable products of the county, though large revenue is 
derived from other sources, notably trucks and fruits. Some of the largest 
apple orchards in the State are found here, and other fruits, such as pears, 
peaches, grapes, plums, cherries, and berries of all kinds are grown abun- 
dantly; also cranberries grow to great perfection on the alluvial bottoms. 
The soil and climate are admirably adapted to the raising of vegetables; 
and melons of the finest quality and flavor are produced. Sweet and Irish 
potatoes, and peas of every variety grow to great perfection and abundance. 
Many of the farmers are turning their attention to the cultivation of the 
grasses, which have been found to grow luxuriantly. 

Cattle do well, requiring little feed and attention during the winter 
months. Hogs are raised in large numbers, and the sheep husbandry could 
be made a profitable enterprise with proper care and attention on the fine 
grazing lands in some sections of the county. The streams abovmd in fish 
of the choicest variety, such as white shad, chub, round fish, perch, etc., 
which are caught in large quantities in seines and nets. 

Transportation facilities are amply afforded by the Norfolk and Western, 
Southern, and South Atlantic lines of railway, traversing the different 
sections of the county; also by water navigation to some extent on Black- 
water river. These render the markets easily accessible to all sections. 

Timber, such as oak, pine, walnut, chestnut, cypress, hickory, persimmon, 
ash, poplar, gum, sycamore, maple, etc., abounds in considerable quantity 
and variety, much of which is converted into lumber by the numerous saw- 
mills in operation. Some grain mills are also located in the county. Black- 



233 

water river on the eastern border, Meherrin river on the western, and Not- 
toway river flowing through the central portion, with numerous tributary 
streams, plentifully water every section, and furnish excellent drainage and 
abundant water power for mills and manufacturing purposes. The climate 
is salubrious, health good, and pure water unsurpassed, furnished by arte- 
sian wells. Every community has its churches. Excellent educational ad- 
vantages are afforded by public and high-grade schools. Telephone service 
and mail facilities are ample. Financial conditions are prosperous, and in 
progress and general advancement there is a manifest degree of prosperity, 
the last assessment of personal property showing considerable increase; and 
all things considered, this ranks as among the most thriving counties of 
this prosperous section of the State. 

Population, census of 1900, 22,848. Increase since census of 1890, 2,770. 

Courtland, the county seat, located in the central portion of the county 
on the Atlantic and Danville railroad, and Nottoway river, has a popula- 
tion of 288. The streets are graded and lighted, and an excellent water 
supply furnished from artesian wells. Besides the county buildings there 
are several hotels, churches and fraternal orders, numft-ous business houses, 
a graded public school, and factorj'. 

Other towns in the county are Franklin, Boykins, Ivor, Drewerysville, 
and Capron. 

Franklin is the largest town in the county and quite an important point, 
having a population (census of 1900) of 1,143, which is an increase since 
last census of 268. It is located at the head of navigation on Blackwater 
river, through which it has communication and a lucrative trade by good 
river steamboat transportation with Eastern North Carolina, also the Sea- 
board and Eoanoke, and the Atlantic and Danville railroads. They connect 
it with Portsmouth and Norfolk. It has two large peanut-cleaning plants, 
a large lumber mill, good banking facilities, church and school advantages, 
and is making substantial progress. 

Boykins has witnessed unusual activity in the past year or so in the 
erection of a new gin house- — a large house for the storage of peanuts — 
numerous dwelling houses and stores, and others in process of erection; 
also the shipment of peanuts has been unusually large. 

Ivor is a thriving village on the Norfolk and Western railroad, and has 
a fine trade, large quantities of peanuts being shipped from this point. 

Near Drewerysville is a peanut-cleaning factory and several cotton gin- 
ning plants. 

Capron is situated in a large vegetable raising section. 



SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY. 

Spotsylvania county was formed in 1720 from Essex, King William and 
King and Queen, and is situated about 45 miles (almost due north) from 
Richmond. It is 25 miles long from north to south, and 17 miles wide from 
east to west, and contains an area of 401 square miles (abut one-half cul- 
tivated) . 

The surface is rolling and the soil productive and varied in kind and 
quality, the uplands being a stiff clay, while that of the bottoms and valleys 
is a sandy loam, the latter producing fine crops of corn and other products. 
Other products are wheat, oats, rye, potatoes, hay and tobacco. Fruits of 
all kinds, especially apples, pears, and grapes, do well; also vegetables, and 
large quantities of both are sold in the Fredericksburg and other markets. 
Dairying and poultry raising have largely increased and are a source of 
considerable revenue to the farmers in connection with general farming. 
Fish are abvmdant, and on the rivers are found the choicest of tidewater 
fowls, and in the marshes sora, woodcock, etc. Considerable attention is 
given to improved breeds of horses, sheep and cattle, of which there are 
several fine herds of the latter in the countv. 



234 

Transportation facilities are excellent. Besides water transportation, 
this county has two railway lines — the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Poto- 
mac railroad which passes through the northeast portion, and the Potomac, 
Fredericksburg and Piedmont (narrow gauge) extending through the north- 
ern part from Fredericksburg to Orange Court House, a distance of forty 
miles, connecting at the latter point with the Southern railway, which 
brings large additional traffic to the county, and its principal town, Freder- 
icksburg. 

Minerals are gold, iron, pyrites, granite and sandstone, most of which have 
been developed and are being successfully mined and worked. The most 
valuable timbers are oak, pine, poplar and hickory, but are limited in 
quantity, having been culled out to a considerable extent. 

The county is watered by the Rappahannock river on the northern, the 
North Anna on the southern border, and the numerous tributaries of these 
rivers and the Mattapony in the interior. The climate is mild and health- 
ful, water good, churches and public schools ample for demand, and mail 
facilities convenient to all sections of the county. 

Population, census«of 1900, 9,239. Number of males 21 years and over, 
2,137. 

Spotsylvania, the county seat, is situated about the center of the county, 
on the Po river, about ten miles from the Potomac, Fredericksburg and 
Piedmont railroad. It is a small inland country village and contains the 
county buildings, several churches and a public school. The nearest market 
is Fredericksburg, the chief town of the county. 

There are three banks in the county. 



STAFFORD COUNTY. 

Stafford was formed from Westmoreland in 1765, and lies between the 
Potomac and Rappahannock rivers in the northeastern portion of the State, 
60 miles north from Richmond. It contains an area of 285 square miles, 
60 per cent, of which is in ciiltivation. 

The surface is generally rolling; soil a sandy loam, naturally good, and 
with proper treatment, capable of great improvement. Farm products are 
wheat, corn, rye and oats, of which good crops are produced; also the 
grasses (clover and orchard grass) are successfully grown. The most 
profitable industries of the county are its fruit, vegetable and poultry pro- 
ducts, which are extensive, and find ready sale in the nearby Washington 
and Fredericksburg markets. The pickling industry is especially important, 
employing from 1,000 to 1,500 hands, principally boys and girls, and bring- 
ing into the county annually from $20,000 to $25,000. 

Lai'ge fisheiies on the Potomac and tributaries afford profitable employ- 
ment to labor and an important article of food supply to the people. Graz- 
ing facilities are fairly good, especially for sheep, and the rearing of early 
lambs for the Washington and Baltimore markets is a source of consider- 
able revenue to the farmers. In addition to excellent water transportation 
facilities by the Potomac and its tributaries, the Richmond, Fredericks- 
burg and Potomac railroad traverses the coimty north and south, afford- 
ing choice of markets and convenient access to same. 

Minerals are gold, iron, mica and sandstone, but not operated to any 
extent. The White House at Washington was built of white sandstone 
from Aquia creek. Timbers are oak, hickory, pine, poplar, chestnut wal- 
nut, elm, ash, etc., which bring considerable revenue to the county as 
lumber, railroad ties, and poplar wood pulp for paper. 

The Potomac on the eastern and the Rappahannock river on the southern 
border, with the numerous creeks emptjdng into these rivers, and pene- 
trating the interior, afford ample drainage and water supply and also 
excellent power for mills and manufactories. Flour and saw mills are 



235 

numerous, also shingle mills, and several pickling establishments. The 
climate is mild and healthful; water good, embracing some mineral (alum 
and sulphur ) . Religious and educational advantages are ample, and con- 
siderable progress is shown in improved condition of buildings and lands, 
better farm stocks and increased production of crops of all kinds per acre. 

With a people kind and hospitable, climate genial and healthful, cheap 
lands, facilities for easy and pleasant living and convenient access to 
market, it would seem that this is a section presenting many attractions 
for the intending immigrant and home-seeker. 

Population of county, census of 1900, 8,097. Increase since census of 
1890, 735. Number of males 21 years and over, 1,969. 

Stafford Courthouse, the county seat, is located in the eastern portion 
of the county, abovit four miles from the Richmond, Fredericksburg and 
Potomac railroad. It is a small inland country village of about 50 inhabi- 
tants, church and county buildings. The nearest market is Fredericks- 
burg, which is in Spotsylvania, on the opposite bank of the Rappahannock 



SURRY COUNTY. 

This is one of the oldest counties in the State, having been formed from 
James City county in 1652. It lies on the south side of James river 35 
miles southeast from Richmond. It contains an area of 292 square miles. 
Average price improved farm lands $8 per acre. 

The surface is generally level and soil light and sandy. Principal pro- 
ducts are corn, wheat, oats and peanuts, especially the latter, large quan- 
tities of which are produced; and so well is the soil adapted to their 
growth that the lands on that account have very materially increased in 
value. Fruits of all kinds are cultivated with success, and there are 
some fine orchards, especially on James river. 

This county is well supplied with railroad facilities, having the Atlantic 
and Danville passing up from the south near the center of the county to 
Claremont on the northwest border; the Surry, Sussex and Southampton 
railway, from its connection with the Norfolk and Western railway at 
Wakefield on the southern border through the county to its water terminus 
on James river; the Norfolk and Western along its southwestern border, 
and eleven miles of the Surry Lumber Company's narrow-gauge road con- 
necting with the Atlantic and Danville railroad at Spring Grove. James 
river also affords extensive shipping facilities, daily steamers of various 
lines touching at its numerous wharves. 

Marl exists in great abundance, is very accessible, and it is utilized to 
some extent as a fertilizer. About two-thirds of the county is in timber, 
principally pine, oak, hickory, poplar, beech, walnut, cypress, holly and 
the gums, much of which is converted into lumber and firewood for "north- 
ern markets. 

Water and drainage is supplied by James river on the north. Black- 
water on the south, and their numerous tributary creeks. There are a large 
number of sawmills in the county, some of which are of very large capacity. 
The climate, health and water are all that could be desired. Churches and 
schools are numerous and convenient, and mail facilities ample. Condi- 
tions in the county are very favorable. Farm lands are being improved, 
busines,s is active, and altogether this section will compare favorably with 
other portions of the State. 

Population, census of 1900. 8,469. Increase since census of 1890, 213. 
Number of males 21 years and over, 2,178. 

Surry, the county seat, is located in the northeastern part of the county 
on the Surry, Sussex and Southampton raihVay, five miles from James 
river, and 55 miles southeast from Richmond, and has a population of 
about 150. 



237 

Claremont, in the northwest portion of the county, on James river, and 
the eastern terminus of the Atlantic and Danville railroad, is a new and 
rapidly growing town of 565 population, which is an increase of 376 since 
last census. It has several good hotels, churches and schoolhouses, news- 
paper, and numerous business houses, money-order office, several lines of 
steamboats, daily trains and daily mails. 



SUSSEX COUNTY. 

This county, formed from Surry in 1754, is located in the southeast part 
nt the State, 35 miles from Richmond. It contains an area of 490 square 
miles — 313,600 acres, 930 farms; average size farms 225 acres. Lands are 
very cheap, ranging in price from $2 to $20 per acre. Average price im- 
l)roved farm lands $5 per acre; average assessed value, $3.75 per acre. 

The surface is slightly rolling. Soil, light gray loam and very produc- 
tive on the streams. Farm products are cotton, corn, wheat, oats, tobacco 
and peanuts. Pears, grapes and small fruits do well, and trucking is en- 
gaged in to a considerable extent. The grasses do well and much of the 
county is admirably adapted to sheep raising, which is profitable in the 
sale of wool and early spring lambs. 

Railroad and market facilities are excellent, furnished by the Norfolk 
and Western, Petersburg and Weldon, and Atlantic and Danville railways, 
which traverse the northeast, southwest and southeastern portions, re- 
spectivelj'. 

Marl is abundant, and is used to good effect. 

Pine is the principal timber, considerable quantities of which are con- 
verted into lumber. Blackwater river on the northeast border, and Notto- 
way river in the central portion, and their branches, furnish suflficient water 
supply and drainage. Climate mild, health and water good. Schools and 
churches of the different denominations numerous and convenient. 

Population, census of 1900, 12,082. Increase since census of 1890, 982. 
Number of males 21 years and over, 2,749. 

Sussex, the county seat, a small inland village, is situated near the 
center of the county, two miles from the Atlantic and Danville railroad, 
and about 45 miles from Richmond. 

Other towns are Wakefield and Waverly. The latter is a growing busi- 
ness town of 493 inhabitants, and near it is the Copperhonk Springs, a 
medicinal water of considerable reputation and efficacy. The Bank of 
Waverly, at the above-named place, and the Bank of Sussex and Surry, 
at Wakefield, provide the financial conveniences and security needed at 
these business centers of the county. Two other banks have been organized 
within the past two years. These towns both have electric light. 



TAZEWELL COUNTY. 

This covmty was formed from Russell and Wythe in 1799, and is situated 
in the southwestern portion of the State, about 325 miles southwest from 
Richmond. It is 40 miles in length with an average width of about 18 
miles, and contains an area of 557 square miles (about one-half being un- 
der cultivation ) . 

Much of the surface is mountainous, and lying between are many 
extensive and very fertile valleys. The soil 'is principally limestone, 
and very productive, and a striking peculiarity of this county is that the 
lands are generally fertile to the tops of the mountains, and don't wash. 
The lands are well adapted to the production of the various grains — corn, 
wheat, rye, oats, etc. — and the cultivated grasses, clover, timothy, orchard 
and herd's grass. But while bountiful crops of grain and grass can be pro- 
duced, the farmers prefer to preserve their fine blue grass sod and engage 
in the much less expensive and much more congenial and profitable occu- 



239 

pation of grazing cattle, which is the leading industry of the county. 
Large numbers of cattle (unsurpassed in quality) are annually sold from 
this county, a large proportion of them for export purposes; also quanti- 
ties of sheep of the finest grade, and no section of the State is better 
supplied with fine draught and saddle horses. 

Tazewell has perhaps the largest grazing capacity of any of the South- 
west Virginia counties. With the exception of a part of the coal belt, 
perhaps three-fourths of its area is well adapted to agricultural and graz- 
ing purposes, and within that area there is a wealth of blue grass lands 
which are the admiration of all who see them. Even the lofty ridges and 
mountains to their summits are covered with a luxuriant growth of blue 
grass which is indigenous. Another very important advantag'^, fitting it 
for grazing purposes, is that it is exceptionally well watered. 

Considerable attention is being paid to fruit culture, to which the county 
is well adapted. The dairy, vegetable and poultry products find a ready 
and remunerative market at the nearby coal mines. Game is abundant, 
and the streams, being well supplied with bass and other fish, furnish 
excellent sport. 

Eailroad facilities consist of the New River division of the Norfolk and 
Western railroad, which extends through the northwestern limits of the 
county, and the Clinch Valley division of the Norfolk and Western, which 
traverses its whole length from northeast to southwest. These railroads 
have put the county in direct communication with all sections of the 
country, north, east, south and west, and have given great impetus to the 
agricultural and mineral resources of the county. 

Tazewell is especially rich in minerals, both in variety and extent, the 
principal of which are coal, iron ores (Ibrown and red), manganese, lead, 
zinc, barytes, salt, gypsum, building stone, soapstone and marble. The 
leadmg minerals are coal and iron, especially the former, which exists in 
vast quantities, and has already earned a reputation at home and abroad 
for steam and coking purposes. Immense quantities of coal and coke are 
shipped from this county to all sections of the country — especially of coal 
to Norfolk city — for the coaling of ocean steamers. The superiority of 
the coke is acknowledged now by all iron makers, and it is in much demand. 
The great Flat Top mountain range, from which this coal is obtained, 
forms the northwestern border of the county, and is part of the dividing 
line between Virginia and West Virginia. Pocahontas, the magic little 
city that has sprung up in the midst of these mines, is a place of laro-e 
business and enterprise, situated on the New River division of the Norfolk 
and Western railroad. The mines consist of a group of five, known as the 
East Mines Nos. 1 and 2, Silver Ridge Mine, Baby Mine and West Mine. 
The workings of this group of mines embrace an area of about 2,000 acres, 
while the total acreage of the company's property is about 8,500 acres. The 
mines of this company are the largest and oldest and most exensively 
worked in the entire Flat Top field, having been opened in 1882. The coal 
is of a semi-bituminous character and very easy to work. The seam is 
about 10 feet thick, and in some portions 18 to 19 feet in thickness. Some 
of the mines are equipped with electric haulage, coal-cutting machines, and 
electric pumps. In others the hauling is done by steam locomotives and 
mules. Exhaust fans are used in all of them. To admit of a more exten- 
sive use of electricity throughout the plant, a stone power-house with a 
capacity of 1,500 horse power has been erected. The coke larries and tipple 
are operated by electricity, and the towns of Pocahontas, Va., and Coopers 
and Bramwell, W. Va., are lighted from this plant. 

Another extensive coal industry about three-quarters of a mile from this 
place, and one of the richest in the Flat Top coal field is what is known as 
the Browning Mines, owned and operated by Col. J. W. Browning, and is 
the only individual mining operation in this field. This mining property 
consists of from 600 to 800 acres of coal lands, extending up Laurel creek 
a distance of about three and one-half miles. The vein of coal now being 



240 

mined at this point is from 12 to 15 feet in thickness, and of very superior 
quality as a steam coal, having been ordered on several special occasions 
in the trial of vpar vessels. These mines are vs^ell furnished with all the 
necessary equipments of mine locomotives, extensive fans for supplying 
fresh air, boilers and stationary engines for furnishing power, etc. The 
output of these mines is from 250 to 300 tons per day, employing about 
160 men, and turning out 100,000 tons annually. 

Another very important and interesting industry located at Pocahontas 
is the By-Product Plant, owned and operated by the Pocahontas Collieries. 
Company. These by-products consist of oil and pitch, the yield of which 
is equivalent to from 2 to 3 gallons per ton of coal distilled or coked, and 
worth about five cents per gallon. Another product obtained by the same^ 
process is commercial ammonia sulphate^ — known more generally as sul- 
phate of ammonia. This product is used principally as a fertilizer, and is. 
very largely in demand for such purposes, and a large quantity of it is; 
also used to make liquid ammonia for ice making. , 

The iron ore deposits of this county are rich and extensive, and their 
proximity to the magnificent coal fields of this section is destined to make 
it the iron-producing center of the State, and the county will assuredly 
one day be as noted for mining and manufacturing as it is now for its 
incomparable grass lands. 

The mineral springs of the county are the Tazewell Sulphur Springs,, 
situated about five miles from Tazewell, the county seat; and at Mustard's,, 
in the eastern middle portion of the county, eight fine mineral springs 
very close together, one apparently an arsenical spring, another a blue 
sulphur, while the character of the others has not been determined. These 
springs are regarded as highly curative, and yield a fine supply of water,, 
but the most attractive and popular watering place in the county is situ- 
ated at the pretty little village of Cedar Bluff, on the Clinch Valley rail- 
road. The spring is what is known as blue sulphur water, located on the 
bank of the Clinch river in a lovely ttnd romantic situation, and near by 
is the Blue Sulphur Inn, with extensive and excellent accommodations. 

Notwithstanding the large amount of timber that has been shipped out 
of the county, there are still considerable quantities and a fine quality, the- 
most valuable of which for merchantable purposes are walnut, poplar, oak. 
hickory, ash and other hard woods. 

The whole of this county is weH watered. The greater part by Clinclr 
river and its tributaries. Bluestone river, East river, and Wolf creek with 
some of its tributaries, have their source in the eastern portion of the 
county. These streams are fed by strong, never-failing limestone springs, 
capable of running a grist mill within a few hundred yards of their source. 
The never-failing character of the streams of the county is one of their 
chief recommendations, and in no county of the State, perhaps, is suc'i 
abundance and excellence of water power so little used. The manufactories 
of the county are several woolen mills of large capacity; brick works at 
Tip Top with an output of 5,000,000 annually, and one of the best equipped 
plants in the South ; extensive lime works at North Tazewell ; iron furnace- 
and plow ^nd foundry company at Graham ; ice plant, broom and mattress 
factory, furniture factory, and numerous grain and saw mills. 

After all that has been said of the altitude, drainage and splendid water 
of this county, it is scarcely necessary to add that the climate and health 
is par-excellence. 

Tazewell Court House, and the county east and north, look like the- 
realization of pastoral perfection. There are a large number of churches 
representing the various Protestant denominations, and in addition to the- 
numerous public schools that are in a flourishing condition, there are two 
colleges and five high schools. Mail facilities are excellent, and the prin- 
cipal towns and neighborhoods have good telephone connection. The sales 
of large boundaries of coal and timber lands at good prices have brought 
much money here, which, added to that realized from cattle, sheep, wood 



241 

and lumber, has made it very abundant in the county. So there is a healthy 
and steady advance in all lines of business. Tazewell is situated in the 
center of the county, one mile south of North Tazewell station on the 
Clinch Valley railroad, with which it has regular communication by horse 
car and hack lines. It is a large, prosperous county town of 1,096 "inhabi- 
tants (census of 1900), which is an increase of 492 since last census. Its 
streets are in good condition, graded, paved and lighted, and there are good 
water works. It has a college and other schools of high grade, churches of 
different denominations, handsome business houses, excellent hotels and 
shops of various kinds, also several newspapers and fraternal orders 
Seven banks afford ample facilities for handling the finances of the county. 

Other towns are Graham, at the junction of the New River and Clinch 
Valley railroads, a growing and important manufacturing and business 
town of 1,554 inhabitants (census of 1900), which is an increase of 533 
since 1890. 

Richlands, population, census of 19-00, 475; North Tazewell, population 
census of 1900, 320; also Cedar Bluff, Falls Mills, Pounding Mill, Liberty' 

• Much could be said, but space forbids to speak of the grand country 
about Tazewell, Liberty and Maiden Spring and of the beautiful Bluestone, 
Wrights and Abbs valleys, and Thompson and Woods Caves; but more than 
a passing notice is due to the far-famed Burks Garden of this county 
one of the largest valleys in the county, and noted for its beauty and fer- 
tility. This elevated mountain basin, 3,200 feet above sea level, contains 
about 30,000 acres of the most fertile blue grass lands, and is encircled by 
the Clinch range of mountains (some peaks of which attain an elevation 
of 4,700 feet), except at one point on the north side where the waters of 
this singularly beautiful basin break through and form Wolf creek. It is 
about eight miles long from northeast to southwest, and about four and a 
half wide, and looks as though it had once been a mountain lake, the waters 
of which had burst their way through the northern escarpment that re- 
strained it, leaving the beautiful trout stream that now pours through the 
gorge to mark its course. Burks Garden is an emerald sea in the sprino-- 
tinie, with its waving trees and noble pastures, and is doubtless the finest 
body of land of its size in the State. 

^-^Tn^^^'.^^r^^.^J'® county, census of 1900, 23,384. Increase since census 
ot 1890, 3,485. Number of males 21 years and over, 5,474. 



WARREN COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1836 from Frederick and Shenandoah, and is 
situated m the northern part of the State, nearly 100 miles air line north- 
west from Richmond. It lies on the western slope of the Blue Ridge 
mountains, which separate it from Rappahannock and Fauquier on the 
southeast, and Frederick on the north, Clarke on the northeast, Shenan- 
doah west, and Page southwest. It is 20 miles long and 12 miles in width 
containing an area of 226 square miles. 

The surface is rolling and mountainous in some portions. About 50 per 
cent, is m cultivation. The soil is limestone and very fertile. Farm pro- 
ducts are wheat, corn, oats, rye, buckwheat, potatoes' and the grasses. 

The climate and soil is well adapted to the growing of fruits, and much 
care and attention is given to this industry, which is one of the most profit- 
able m the county; grape culture, especially, has been extensively and 
successfully earned on for many years, and utilized in the manufacture of 
much fine wme. One of the oldest and largest vineyards of the South is 
located here. 

Considerable attention is paid to the raising of poultry. 50,000 ducks 
are sold annually from the largest duck farm in the world at Riverton 
btock raising ranks as one of the most important and profitable industries 



243 

of the county. Xarge numbers of fat cattle are annually shipped to the 
northern and eastern markets. 

Transportation facilities are ample and convenient, supplied by the Shen- 
andoah Valley branch of the Norfolk and Western railroad traversing the 
center of the county from north to south, and the Manassas branch of the 
Southern railroad crossing it from east to west at Front Royal. 

Minerals of various kinds are found in considerable quantities, the prin- 
cipal of M^hich are iron, copper, ochre, umber, limestone and manganese. 
There are also numerous mineral springs. The timber consists of walnut, 
hickory, cheriy, oak, pine, chestnut and poplar, but it has been cut out to 
considerable extent. 

The south fork of the Shenandoah river passing through the center of the 
county aflfords an ample water supply, excellent Avater power, and an abun- 
dance of good fish. Manufactories and enterprises embrace numerous grain 
and saw mills, several bark mills, a lumber manufacturing company, and 
a handle and bolt factory, several woolen mills, a sumac mill, and the 
Carson Lime Company, one of the largest plants of the kind in the South. 
As to climate, health and water, the conditions are all that could be desired. 
Public schools are excellent and numerous, and churches of the various 
denominations convenient to all sections. Good turnpikes and country 
roads assist, and all that is needed is capital to develop resources and im- 
prove the waste places. This is truly a highly favored and most desirable 
section of the State, having all the accessories to prosperity and the hap- 
piness of its people. 

Population, census of 1900, 8,837. Increase since census of 1890, 557. 
Number of males 21 years and over, 2,089. 

Front Royal, the county seat, is located at the junction of the Shenan- 
doah division of the Norfolk and Western, and the Manassas branch of 
the Southern railroad, and has a population of 1,005 (census of 1900). 
It is one of the most prosperous and attractive towns in the Valley of the 
Shenandoah, and is noted for the hospitality and refinement of its people. 
Situated in the heart of one of the finest farming sections of the State, its 
commercial and manufacturing interests are varied and considerable. It 
has factories for making handles, collars, cigars, tacks, furniture, knit 
goods, and pianos ; also several large hotels, numerous business houses, 
educational institutions, public schools, newspapers, two banks, churches, 
and fraternal orders. It has macadamized streets, brick sidewalks and a 
good system of water works and electric lights. Educational institutions 
include Randolph-Macon Academy, under the supervision of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, South — a school of fine standing, elegant buildings and 
competent faculty — a flourishing female institute, and a large high school 
building. Two large flouring mills are located at Front Royal, capacity 
from 150 to 200 barrels daily, and an iron mining company has recently 
opened mines near town and is shipping carloads of ore daily. 



WARWICK COUNTY. 

Warwick, though now a small county in area and one of the smallest in 
the State in population, was one of the original shires into which the State 
was divided in 1634, and was named for the town of Warwick in England. 
It lies in a narrow strip along the northern shores of the James river en- 
trance into the Chesapeake bay, and contains an area of 85 square miles. 

The surface is level, soil a sandy loam, fairly prodvictive and easily 
cultivated and improved. The most profitable products are wheat, corn, 
oats, potatoes, etc., the average yield of which is very good. Trucking, 
market gardening and poultry raising are growing in importance and value. 
Fish, oysters and wild fowl are abundant, the trade in which constitutes 
a very important feature of the business of the county. 



244 

Railroad^ are the Chesapeake and Ohio, and the Newport News, Hamp- 
ton and Old Point railways, the former traversing the county from north- 
west to southeast, and having its southeastern terminus at Newport News. 

Marl, the only mineral, is found in large quantities and of excellent 
quality. The timber supply is rather limited. Principal varieties are oak, 
pine, ash and gum, much of which is worked by the sawmills in operation 
in the county. The James and Warwick rivers afford ample drainage and 
excellent transportation facilities. Market advantages are excellent, the 
cities of Norfolk, Portsmouth, Newport News and Hampton furnishing 
superior facilities in this respect. The climate is mild; health and water 
good. Churches are numerovis, and the public schools in a flourishing 
condition. Telephone service and mail facilities are ample, and in progress 
and general advancement there has been great improvement in the county 
.since the extension of the Chesapeake and Ohio railway to Newport News, 
in the southeast portion of the countJ^ 

Population of the county ( independent of the city of Newport News ) , 
census of 1900, 4,888. The diff"erence between the last two census reports 
is due to the fact that nearly 2,000 people were included in the city of 
Newport News, which before 1900 had been listed in Warwick county. 

The wild animals of the countj' are deer, fox, raccoon, squirrel and hare. 
The water fowls of that region abound, besides which there are such game 
birds as wild turkeys, partridges, woodcock and sora, and the large propor- 
tion of water front creeks and inlets make the county exceedingly popular 
with sportsmen and fishermen. 



WASHINGTON COUNTY. 

This county, formed January 28, 1776, from Fincastle, is situated in the 
southwestern portion of the State — 350 miles by rail, 240 air line, from 
Richmond. It is one of the largest counties in the Southwest, containing 
an area of 605 square miles. 

The surface is generally undulating, and mountainous in parts, especially 
on the northern and southern borders, though least mountainous of any of 
the Southwest counties. Its valleys are broad and present a beautiful 
picture in the alternation of hill and dale, of woodland and pasture. Soil 
varies in character and quality, but all lie upon a stratum of yellow or red 
clay, very fertile and productive and wears well. The gray or gravelly 
soil is adapted to wheat, rye and tobacco, and the dark alluvial soil to corn 
and grass. The principal and most profitable farm products are wheat, 
corn, rye, oats, hay and tobacco, of which abundant crops are annually 
produced, though the tobacco production has fallen off from 2,000,000 
pounds in 1889 to 776,000 in 1899. This is a superior grass-producing 
section, especially of clover, timothy and orchard grass, that yields largely, 
and much of which is grown. Tobacco is not as profitably grown as for- 
merly. Fruits of the various kinds, such as apples, pears, peaches, plums, 
grapes, etc., grow to perfection and yield abundantly. Considerable reve- 
nue is derived from the poultry and egg product, which have a fine local 
market. The coimty abounding to a large extent in the spontaneous 
growth of blue grass, stock raising is the chosen and most profitable occu- 
pation of a large number of the most enterprising farmers of the county. 

Transportation facilities are excellent, embracing the Norfolk and West- 
ern railroad, which traverses the county centrally from northeast to south- 
west, and has its western terminus at Bristol, this county. The Virginia 
and Southwestern railroad extends from Bristol northwest to Big Stone 
Gap, reaching the vast beds of coal and iron of that section. The Virginia 
and Carolina railroad starts from Abingdon and extends south to the Ten- 
nessee line and opens up the immense timber and mineral resources of that 
section. There is also a branch of the Norfolk and Western from Glade 
Spring to Saltville, near the Smyth county line. Iron and marble are 



245 

found in this county in various localities, mainly on its southern border ; 
but its principal wealth consists in its great deposits of salt and plaster. 
Owing to the value of the salt wells in the Saltville basin it was made the 
dividing line between Washington and Smyth counties, so as to throw 
equal values of this great wealth into each of the counties, and it would 
be difficult to estimate the approximate quantity of the Saltville deposit 
assignable to Washington county; but it maj^ be confidently asserted that 
it has inexhaustible deposits of both salt and plaster close to the Washing- 
ton-Smyth line, and dividing as it does with Smyth this valuable territory, 
a more specific description will suffice for both, which will be found in 
report of Smyth county. Mineral springs are numerous and valuable, em- 
bracing chalybeate, alum, magnesia and sulphur waters, the most noted of 
which are the Seven Springs on the Saltville branch of the Norfolk and 
Western railroad, at which is made the famous "Seven Springs Iron and 
Alum Mass," of great efficacy in many forms of disease. Mungel's Springs, 
situated nine miles northwest of Abingdon, has a high local reputation for 
curative virtues, and with proper accommodations for visitors, should 
command a good patronage. Washington** Springs are situated one and 
one-half miles from Glade Springs in a lovely and healthful spot amid the 
mountains, and are regarded as having valuable medicinal and curative 
properties. There are four distinct varieties of the water, the most effec- 
tive being the Alum, Chalybeate, and the White Sulphur Springs. 

There are large bodies of well timbered lands, as yet undeveloped, the 
principal and valuable varieties of which are oak, pine, poplar, walnut, 
hickory, ash, chestnut and cherry. Tlie county is finely watered by the 
north, south and middle forks of Holston river and numerous tributaries 
passing through its most fertile portions, and affording a quantity and 
variety of excellent fresh water fish, besides offering facilities for water 
power possessed by but few counties in the State. . 

Industries and manufactories consist of sash, door and blind factories, 
woolen mills, flouring and saw mills, extract plant, plaster works, soda ash 
and bleaching-powder works, and others that will appear in the Smyth 
statement. The climate is temperate, and pure spring water plentiful. 
All the Protestant denominations are represented in the county, and have 
good church buildings in every commimity. This county is celebrated for 
its superior educational advantages, on account of its institutions of learn- 
ing of a high order and wide reputation — its public school system in a 
flourishing condition, and there are ten high schools throughout the 
county. Telephone service is excellent, the Bristol Telephone Company's 
lines connecting almost all parts of the county. Mail facilities are good, 
with postoffices in every community, and rural free delivery service. The 
financial condition of the county is possibly as good as any section of the 
State, and progress and general advancement (in recent years) have been 
both rapid and permanent. There are five banks in the county. 

Population of county, census of 1900, 28,995. Increase (city of Bristol 
included) since census of 1890, 4,554. Number of males 21 years and over, 
city of Bristol included, 7,853. 

Abingdon, the county seat, is beautifully situated near the center of the 
county on the Norfolk and Western railroad 190 miles southwest from 
Lynchburg and 15 miles northeast from Sristol, and has a population, 
census of 1900, of 1,306. It is one of the oldest towns west of the Blue 
Ridge, certainly the oldest town of Southwest Virginia. In "Ye Olden 
Time" it was really the capital of Southwest Virginia, and was the great 
highway of the stage coach between the great Tennessee and Virginia 
valleys, and many noted celebrities would pause here on their way to 
Washington, and rest and refresh themselves in its then celebrated hos- 
telries; but in 1860 came the railroad, and with it the telegraph and ex- 
press, and the old stage horn was relegated to the past, and a new order of 
things ushered in. Abingdon is now a town of public buildings and schools, 



246 

with two fine female colleges (Martha Washington College and Stonewall 
Jackson Institute, controlled, respectively, by the Methodist and Presby- 
terian denominations), with beautiful grounds and buildings handsomely 
situated, which add much to the importance and attractiveness of the 
place. IBesides the county courthouse there is a spacious United States 
court building, in which is held the district court of the Federal govern- 
ment for the Western District of Virginia, of which Abingdon is nearly the 
geographical center. Here are also nice churches of the different denomi- 
nations, a male academy and other good schools, several newspapers, banks 
and fraternal orders, factories of different kinds, repair and smith shops, 
excellent hotels and livery stables, numerous mercantile establishments, 
electric lights, water works, and macadam streets. Abingdon is a town of 
considerable business importance, commanding- a large trade not only from 
the county of Washington, but from surrounding counties in Virginia, 
Tennessee and North Carolina. The Virginia and Georgia railway starting 
at Abingdon and extending 26 miles southward into the primeval forests 
of Tennessee, is a comparatively new enterprise, and is forging to the busi- 
ness front in a manner scarcely expected by its promoters. At Crandell, 
its present terminus, there is an immense lumber plant. There are also 
other industries in the same section, such as steam tanneries, extract plant, 
etc. Damascus, a new and growing town, is situated in that vicinity, and 
on the railroad. The culture and refinement of its people and splendid 
climate render Abingdon a most delightful residence town, and these ad- 
vantages are being appreciated, as shown by the number of new residences 
recently erected, adding much to the attractiveness of the place. 

There are several other good towns and villages, viz. : Saltville, at the 
terminus of a nine-mile branch of the Norfolk and Western railroad, the 
site of the great salt works, an account of which has been previously given, 
with a population of 1,051 (census of 1900) ; Emory, situated 12 miles east 
of Abingdon, on the Norfolk and Western railroad, an interesting point as 
being the site of Emory and Henry College, established in 1837, now under 
the patronage of the Holston Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
South. It has had quite a successful history in the past, having been the 
"Alma Mater" of some of the most distinguished men of this country, and 
with its fine facilities for education, excellent faculty, convenient location, 
commodious buildings and great natural beauty and healthfulness, it de- 
serves and will doubtless have a long and growing patronage and prosper- 
ous future; and Glade Spring, a nice little village, situated on the Norfolk 
and Western railroad, and the junction of the Saltville branch. It has a 
population of 304 (census of 1900), and is a place of considerable business. 



WESTMORELAND COUNTY. 

Westmoreland was formed in 1653 from Northumberland, and is situated 
in the northeast portion of the State on the lower Potomac river 55 miles 
northeast from Richmond. Its average length is thirty miles, width ten 
miles. It contains an area of 245 square miles, and a population by last 
census of 9,243, a gain of 844 since 1890. 

The surface is generally level, but hilly in some portions. Soil light 
loam on river bottoms, stiffer clay soil on uplands, and easy of cultivation. 

Farm products are corn, wheat, millet, rye, clover, and peas for hay. 
Potatoes, sweet and Irish, do well, and the raising of clover seed for market 
is a considerable industry. Orchard grass and timothy are successfully 
grown. Average yield per acre of corn 25 bushels, of wheat 10 bushels, 
and of hay one and a half to two tons. Fruits of the various varieties, 
such as apples, peaches, pears, plums, strawberries, etc., grow well, and 
several canneries are located in the county. The climate and soil is espe- 
cially adapted to the laising of vegetables, and trucking is becoming quite 
an important industry. The numerous creeks and inlets along the Potomac 



247 

boundary abound in the finest of fish, oysters and wild fowl. There are 
large natural oyster beds on these tidal waters, and the species of fish ob- 
tained embrace trout, rock, herring, shad, and perch, which are caught by 
nets, traps and seines. 

Grazing facilities are fairly good, and stock does well, especially sheep, 
which are receiving increased attention and proving quite remunerative. 
That class of stock is being improved by the importation of better breeds. 
There are no railroads in the county, but excellent transportation facilities 
are afforded by steamboats on the Rappahannock and Potomac to Freder- 
icksburg, Washington, Baltimore and Alexandria markets. Marl is abun- 
dant, also marsh mud and oyster shell lime. There is some ash, poplar, 
etc. but the timber consists chiefly of pine, of which a large amount of cord 
wood and lumber are annually cut and shipped. 

Water and drainage are furnished by the Rappahannock and Potomac 
rivers; and the numerous tributaries of the latter penetrating inland about 
10 or 12 miles, with good water power, are utilized. Besides numerous saw 
and grain mills, the manufactories of the county consist of a number of 
fruit-canning factories, two plants for blasting and crushing marl, and one 
for digging and grinding infusorial earths. 

The climate is temperate. Health generally good. Water good and 
abundant in the uplands; not so good on water courses, except where 
artesian is used. Churches numerous — principally Baptist, Methodist and 
Episcopal. There are also a large number of public schools. Telephone 
service from Fredericksburg to every important point in county. Financial 
conditions excellent, and considerable progress shown in improved build- 
ings. 

This is one of the oldest settled counties in the State, and in colonial 
days was the home of wealth and influence, the immigrants to the county 
from England comprising many of the rich and aristocratic families of the 
old country. There are many valuable and highly important estates in 
the county, and by the more modern and improved system of agriculture, 
which has been adopted the past few years, the waste lands are being re- 
claimed and the farming interests generally improved. This county enjoys 
the proud distinction of haying been the birthplace of two of the Presi- 
dents of the United States — George Washington and James Monroe — be- 
sides another no less honored and distinguished Virginian, General R. E. 
Lee. Montross, the county seat, with a population of about 150, is an 
ancient town of some importance, located near the southern border, six 
miles distant from landings on both Potomac and Rappahannock rivers, 
with which there is daily mail communication. There has recently been 
erected a handsome new courthouse and clerk's office. 

WISE COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1856 from Russell, Lee and Scott, and named 
in honor of Henry A. Wise, the then governor. It is situated in the great 
Cumberland range, in the extreme southwestern portion of the State, 380 
miles from Richmond, and is bounded on the north by the State of Ken- 
tucky. It contains an area of 413 square miles (under cultivation, 25 per 
cent ) . 

The surface is hilly and mountainous. Soil mostly sandy. 

Farm products are corn, rye, oats, millet, potatoes and sorghum, and 
the lands are also very well adapted to the growing of vegetables and fruits. 
All the products of the farm find a ready and remunerative sale with the 
numerous and extensive mining operations in the county. 

Transportation facilities are very good, embracing the Louisville and 
Nashville, and Norfolk and Western, and Virginia and Southwestern rail- 
roads. The South and Western, and the Virginia and Southeastern are 
important lines now being constructed into the county. There are six 
short independent lines in the county, used principally as feeders for the 



249 

mineral interests of this county, which are various and valuable, and 
destined to make it one of the wealthiest counties in the State. 

The most important minerals are iron ores, and coal (bituminous, splint 
and eannel). Limestone and sandstone for building and other purposes 
are of very superior quality and abundant, the latter being very cheaply 
quarried and made ready for use in any desired shape or size. Iron is 
found in large deposits, especially in the neighborhood of Big Stone Gap, in 
the southwest portion of the county. Here, in close proximity to each 
other, are the iron ore, limestone and coal, and few localities are more fa- 
vorably situated for the manufacture of iron. Since the construction of 
convenient transportation facilities, these ores are being largely developed 
and mined, and extensively worked by the furnaces here in operation. But 
its great wealth consists in its immense deposits of coal, having the greatest 
amount of valuable bituminous and eannel coal to be found in any county 
of the State, the industrial value of which can scarcely be overestimated 
In fact, there are few areas of like size and value in this particular to be 
found m the world. Since the building of railroads through the county, 
rapid progress has been made here in the coal and coke industry. From' 
year to year new mines are being opened, and coke plants constructed, 
until this county has become a hive of industrv, teeming with thousands of 
laborers; and the indications point to the establishment here of some of 
the largest collieries and coke plants in the United States. The coke ovens 
now in operation in the county, are as follows: At Tom's Creek, 800- 
Stonega, 666; Dorchester, 550; Osaka, 300; Inman, 150; Imboden 300- 
Blackwood, 250; Josephine, 80; Essexville, 50; Carbon, 25; Norton 150- 
Glamur, 200, making a total of 3,521, and other new plants in course of 
construction. 

Wise is especially noted for its fine forests of valuable timber, such as 
poplar, walnut, cherry, oak, etc., but since it has been opened up to the 
markets by the railroads, and owing to heavy local demand, the supply 
of timber has been largely depleted, though still a considerable quantity 
remains. ^ *' 

The county is well watered in the northern part by the numerous streams 
flowing into Eussells fork of Big Sandy river, and in the southern and 
eastern portions by Powells and Guests rivers, and other streams, tribu- 
taries of the Clinch. 

The manufacturing enterprises of note are iron furnaces and foundries 
grist, saw and planing mills, a silicon brick plant, a large tannery, and an 
extract plant at Big Stone Gap. Climate healthful and invigorating av- 
erage temperature 55 degrees, rainfall about 54 inches. Water fairly 
^^^ Vi, J^^ ^^'^'^ supplied with churches of the various denominations, 

and the public tree schools are in an exceedingly prosperous condition- 
also a model graded school at Big Stone Gap and a college at Wise the 
county seat. Most of the towns are connected by telephone, and mail ser- 
vice with every neighborhood. The financial condition of the people is 
highly favorable, and great progress and advancement is noted here in 
recent years, as indicated by the large increase in population 
n»^?vo^^ population, census of 1900, 19,653. Increase since census of 1890 
10,308. Number of males 21 years and over, 5,247. 

There are five banks in the county, all doing a prosperous business. 
Wise, the county seat, is located near the center of the county, five miles 
from Norton, the junction of the Clinch Valley division of the Norfolk and 
Western railroad and the Louisville and Nashville railroad. It has a popu- 
lation of about 800. 

The most important town is Big Stone Gap, population, census of 1900, 
1,617. Other towns are East Stone Gap, population, census of 1900, 349; 
Coebiirn, population, census of 1900, 295— now about 500; Norton popu- 
lation, census of 1900, 654— now about 1,250; Tacoma, population, census 
of 1900, 247. 



251 

Norton, especially, has made very rapid strides within the past four or 
five years. There has been located here two wholesale grocery houses, a 
wholesale hardware house, a branch of the Armour Packing Co. ; also a 
branch of the Standard Oil Company, two large hotels, numerous residences 
and business houses. The coal and coke companies have constructed large 
power plants with the latest improved electrical machinery, and the Indian 
Creek and Pound River railroad, extending from Norton into the Pound 
Gap country, which is very rich in lumber and coal, has been completed 
for seven miles. Pound Gap, a widely-known place in the Cumberland 
mountains (a depression in the crest of the mountain, whose lowest point 
is nearly 2,300 feet above sea level) being the objective point for all rail- 
roads leading from this part of Virginia to Kentucky, places this county 
in a direct line of all such contemplated railroads, the necessity for which 
will arise, and some will most surely be constructed in the near future. 



WYTHE COUNTY. 

This county was formed from Montgomery in 1790. It is located west 
of the Blue Ridge, in the southwest portion of the State, 270 miles south- 
west from Richmond, in the midst of the great mining and grazing section. 
It contains an area of 474 square miles, one-half being under cultivation. 
Lands vary much in price as they do in value. 

The surface is varied, alternately mountain and valley. Several moun- 
tain ranges traverse the county, mainly from northeast to southwest, be- 
tween which lie extensive and very fertile valleys, notably Reed creek, 
Cripple creek, and headwaters of Holston on the west forming an elevated 
plateau of high table land from east to west. These valleys contain blue 
grass and farming lands of a high order that are scarcely surpassed in the 
State. 

The staple crops are corn, wheat, oats, rye, barley, millet and hay, abun- 
dant yields of which are produced. Fruits and vegetables of various kinds 
are successfully grown, and these industries are receiving increased atten- 
tion every year, and in portions of the county, constitute a very important 
and profitable source of revenue to the farmers, for which there is always 
a ready cash market. The raising of cabbage, Irish potatoes and apples 
in the western part of the county is becoming quite an industry. These 
products are mostly shipped to the southern markets and bring remunera- 
tive prices. Being situated between the North and the South gives this 
section an unusual advantage in disposition of her products. The cabbage 
industry has built up an important business center at Rural Retreat, with 
good hotels, banks, mercantile houses, etc., which attracts much attention 
in the wholesale vegetable market. 

The United States Fish Hatchery, three and a half miles west of Wythe- 
ville, is quite an important enterprise in the county, and is rapidly stock- 
ing the waters of the State with the best varieties of fish. 

Agriculture is carried to its highest perfection in this county in the de- 
partment of grazing, and in this respect it is scarcely excelled in the State. 
Its cattle, sheep and horse products are immensely remunerative, much of 
the former being exported and commanding the highest prices. Transpor- 
tation facilities are excellent, furnished by the Norfolk and Western rail- 
road passing through the heart of the county, and the Cripple Creek branch 
of the Norfolk and Western railroad extending into the great mining region 
of the southeastern portion of the county; also a branch of the latter 10 
or 12 miles into a rich mineral section,, developing the celebrated Cripple 
Creek iron ores. 

This is one of the richest counties in the State in the variety, quality 
and extent of its minerals, and in their development the county is making 
rapid strides toward a position of commercial importance well calculated 
to excite the just pride of her citizens. Alternating with each other on 
the south side of the county are wonderful veins and deposits of iron ores. 




SUMMER APPLES. 



253 

manganese ores, and lead and zinc ores of extraordinary purity; while in 
the northern half of the county fine magnetic and brown iron ores are 
abundant. These minerals have been developed and found . to exist in 
immense quantities, and are being worked on a large scale in different sec- 
tions of the county, the large works affording an excellent home market for 
the products of the farm. There are various mineral waters in the county, 
the principal of which are its many alum-chalybeate springs, also the arsenic 
bromo-lithia springs, which are fast coming into favor and are of high 
medicinal virtue. 

On the north and in the middle section there are still larger boundaries 
of very good timber, such as white and Spanish oak, walnut, cherry, locust, 
hickory, poplar, gum, pine and chestnut. 

The county is well watered by New river, which flows through the south- 
eastern portion of the county, and some of its principal tributaries, such 
as Reed creek in the central and northern portions, and Cripple creek in 
the southwestern part of the cormty. These streams, with their many 
minor tributaries, leave but little of the whole area that is not thoroughly 
well watered, and like all mountain streams of this section, are unfailing 
and afford much excellent water power. 

Manufactories consist principally of iron, zinc and lead furnaces, in 
which it probably leads any other county of the State. These works sup- 
ply extensive home markets besides emjiloying the labor of the county at 
remunerative wages. In addition to the above there are forges, smelting 
works, rolling mills, wool factories, manufactories of wood; and flour mills, 
sawmills and ordinary grist mills are numerous throughout the county. 
Owing to the altitude of this section, averaging half a mile above sea level, 
the climate resembles that of the Middle States, and may be said to be 
almost perfect; health unexcelled and water j^ure as can be found. Churches 
are numerous and of all denominations. Educational advantages are ex- 
cellent, consisting of colleges, high schools, and numerous public schools. 
Telephone service in all parts of the county, and mail facilities excellent. 
The county is in splendid financial condition and growing rapidly in wealth, 
importance and population. There are six banks in the county. 

Total population, 20,437. Increase since census of 1890, 2,418. Number 
of males 21 years and over, 4,571. 

Wytheville, the chief town and county seat, is. a pretty and flourishing 
place of 3,003 inhabitants, census of 1900 (now about 3,500, an increase of 
433), and is situated near the center of the county, on the line of the Nor- 
folk and Western railroad 280 miles southwest from Eichmond. Its eleva- 
tion is 2,360 feet above the sea level, affording picturesque scenery, health- 
ful and bracing climate, pleasant days and cool nights, fine alum and 
chalybeate water, excellent society, well-kept hotels and boarding houses, 
handsome streets and residences, constituting an eligible summer resort of 
great popularity. Churches are numerous and handsome, and its educa- 
tional advantages are of a high order. Besides colleges and well-regulated 
public schools, there are private boarding schools for young ladies. It has 
also several newspapers, two banks, fraternal orders, water works, electric 
lights, and macadamized streets. In addition to several flourishing manu- 
factories and machine shops, there are stores in every department of busi- 
ness. A new courthouse, costing about $50,000, and one of the finest in the 
State, has recently been erected. The Supreme Court of Appeals of the 
State holds a session here annually during the months of June and July. 
Other towns, besides Eural Eetreat, are Ivanhoe, Max Meadows, Fosters 
Fall, and Austinville. These are all tliiiving manufacturing or business 
places, and of considerable population and importance. 



YORK COUNTY. 

This county was one of the original shires into which Virginia was di- 
vided in 1634. It Avas first known as Charles county, but changed to York 



255 

in 1642. It lies 50 miles south by east of Richmond. It is 30 miles long 
with a mean breadth of five miles, and contains an area of 124 square miles, 
one-half of which is in cultivation. Lands have advanced in price in the 
past ten years about 40 per cent., and near Yorktown about 60 per cent. 

The surface is level, the soil varying from a light loam in the south to 
clay in the north, and generally of a good quality. 

Farm products are corn, wheat, oats, potatoes, etc. Considerable fruit of 
the various varieties is grown, and melons in great abundance. The York 
and other streams abound in the finest of oysters, and this is the leading 
money product of the county; also fish of every variety are in great abun- 
dance. These and truck farming constitute the county's most profitable 
industries. Some portions of the county are very well adapted to stock 
raising, especially sheep. 

The Chesapeake and Ohio railroad passes through the southwest border 
of the county, and a survey has been made for a railroad from Y^orktown 
to Hampton, which, if built, will be a great benefit to the county. 

Water courses are numerous. Besides Chesapeake bay, York, Poquoson 
and Back rivers, there are numerous navigable creeks, all of which afford 
excellent shipping facilities, which have been greatly improved the past 
few years, having daily steamers to the wharves from Baltimore and Nor- 
folk. There are no minerals except marl, which is in great abundance. 
The county has been largely depleted of timber, and second growth now 
constitutes the principal supply. Manufactories are limited to lumber 
plants and barrel factories, of which there are several. In climate, health 
and water this county compares favorably with other counties of this sec- 
tion. Churches of all the Protestant denominations, and public schools 
are numerous and convenient. Telephone service excellent, embracing a 
hundred miles of line reaching to all sections. 

Population, census of 1900, 7,482. Number of males 21 years and over, 
1,790. 

Yorktown, the county seat, is located on York river near its mouth, 33 
miles from Norfolk and 70 miles from Richmond. While a town of limited 
population and advantages, it possesses a historic interest second to none 
other in the confines of our great country, as having been the scene of the 
closing conflict for American independence, where, on October 19th, 1781, 
the army of Cornwallis surrendered to the combined armies of America 
and France, which notable event was a century later commemorated by 
the erection by the government, near the spot, of an imposing monument, 
97 feet in height, adorned with patriotic devices and inscriptions, and 
pronounced by travelers to be the handsomest monument in the world. 
This county was also the scene of the first battle of the late war fought at 
Big Bethel, as well as the last battle of the Revolution fought at Yorktown. 

"The Moore House," on Temple farm, lying in a peninsula formed by 
York river, Waverly creek and Mill Pond, one mile east of Yorktown, is 
another precious relic of our past history, noted as the place of capitula- 
tion of the army of Cornwallis to the armies of Washington, Lafayette and 
Rochambeau. The house is still occupied as a residence, and stands about 
50 feet above York river, commanding a beautiful view of the Chesapeake 
bay, Yorktown monument and quaint old Yorktown. All along the York 
river are beautiful residential sites, breezy the year round, and overlooking 
the placid blue waters of the broad river. 

Other towns in the county are Grafton and Poquoson, and branches of 
the Peninsula Bank are located at these points, indicating the demands of 
a growing business in this section. 



Cities of Virginia. 



ALEXANDRIA. 

Alexandria, the county seat of Alexandria, is situated on the Potomac 
river, six miles south of Washington, and is in full view of the national 
capital, with which it is closely related in social and business afl'airs. 

Transportation facilities are afl'orded by four great trunk railways, 
while the largest vessels find a safe landing at the wharves on the Potomac 
river. 

The census of 1900 gave the city a population of 14,528. 

Among the numerous enterprises located at Alexandria are two glass 
works — ^the Old Dominion Glass Co. and the Virginia Glass Co. The Em- 
erson Pump Works, recently of Baltimore, have moved their plant to 
Alexandria. 

The city has made rapid progress in the past few years. The work of 
paving the streets with vitrified brick has been extended to all parts of 
the city. The water supply is of the purest. Excellent public schools are 
conducted in this city, the educational advantages being all that could be 
desired, and the churches are large and elegant. 

During the past year the city of Alexandria has steadily advanced in 
material prosperity along many lines, with the best indications that this 
progressiveness will be maintained and increased in the succeeding years. 
The general improvement has been brought about by a combination of 
causes, including a remarkable development of the transportation facilities 
both by rail and water, the skilful handling of the city finances, and the 
adoption by the city council of many methods having especially in view 
the encouragement of the growth and advancement of the city. 



BRISTOL. 

Although not the county seat of the great and fertile county of Wash- 
ington, the largest town in it is Bristol, situated in the extreme southeast- 
ern part of the county, immediately upon the line dividing the States of 
Virginia and Tennessee, Bristol, Va., being on the north side of Main street 
and Bristol, Tenn., on the south. Owing to its unique position in this 
respect, some complications may arise in a description of the industrial 
and business interests confined to the Virginia side of the city. The popu- 
lation of Bristol, Va., (census of 1900) is 4,579, and is being steadily in- 
creased. The increase of population since last census is 1,677, and in the 
number of males 21 years and over, 1,278. Bristol, Tenn., has 5,271 popu- 
lation. 

Its highly favorable situation and exceptional railroad facilities are 
rapidly bringing it to the front as a commercial, manufacturing and edu- 
cational center. It would be difficult to imagine a place with greater 
natural advantages of location, situated about midway between the great 
cities of the North and South, and between the great coal fields of Virginia 
and the mineral and timber lands of Tennessee, thus becoming the dis- 
tributing center of a large area of contiguous country, abounding in min- 
eral deposits of enormous value, also in practically inexhaustible quantities 
of timber. 
9 



258 

Bristol is the terminal of two great trunk railway lines, the Norfolk 
and Western and the Southern, and the two divisions of the Virginia a,nd 
Southwestern. It is expected that there will soon be a direct connection 
with the Seaboard Air Line railway. The Bristol Belt Line railway fur- 
nishes quick and easy transit to every part of the twin cities. A beautiful 
and costly union station has been built by the Norfolk and Western rail- 
road and is occupied jointly by the railroads centering here, the station 
and sheds having a total length of over 500 feet. The Virginia and South- 
western railway has its shops here and builds its own cars, employing a 
number of operators. The manufactories embrace a large variety of valu- 
able works, among which are an iron furnace, a foundry and machine shops, 
tannery, a $500,000 wood pulp plant, spoke and hub plant, barytes mill, 
lumber mill, roller flouring mill, furniture factory, and many others of 
greater or less importance to the number of 79 in the double city, whose 
annual pay roll aggregates over $2,000,000. Hardly a month passes with- 
out some new industry being established or a former one being enlarged 
with increased output. The excellent shipping advantages furnished by 
the several through line railroads have resulted in a large increase of its 
jobbing trade, until there are one or more wholesale houses in every line, 
and the books of the jobbers show customers in not less than ten States, 
while Bristol's manufacturers ship their product to every State in the 
Union and several of them have a large export trade. Cheap fuel and 
abundant supply of labor are important factors in this condition of pros- 
perity. The growth of the city, including that portion in Tennessee, 
bringing the total population up to over 10,000, has been so healthy and 
regular that there has never been any scarcity of labor, and strikes are 
unknown. 

The city banking facilities are all that are needed, being furnished by 
three prosperous, well-managed banks, having a combined paid-up capital 
of $350,000. The churches include those of every denomination, and several 
of them have very handsome and costly buildings; while the public schools 
are of superior excellence, and there are several educational institutions 
of high order, two large female colleges, one male, and still another for 
the education of colored youth; such are the facilities for higher educa- 
tion that some of Bristol's most valuable citizens have been attracted 
here with their families by the inducements afforded in this particular. 

Buildings to the value of $506,428 were erected here in 1904, and to the 
value of $675,882 in 1905. 

With paved streets, granolithic sidewalks, gas, electric lights, street rail- 
ways, fine stores, elegant residences and all modern conveniences, a moral 
citizenship and such conditions of health as may be expected to exist, 
where the altitude above tidewater reaches 1,676 feet, as reported, the 
• city is forging to the front as one of the most thriving manufacturing, 
jobbing and retail cities in the South, to which end, its capable and aggres- 
sive Board of Trade contributes largely in promoting. 

It has three well-conducted newspapers, ever alive to its welfare, and 
which lose no opportunity to advance its interests in every legitimate way 
within their province. They are The Herald, a morning paper, and The 
News, an evening issue of Bristol, Va., and Courier, of Bristol Tennessee, a 
morning paper. 



BUENA VISTA. 

Buena Vista, as a home, combines all the advantages of beautiful scenery, 
an invigorating climate, and pure mountain water, with good schools and 
churches. As a place for business, it offers abundant natural resources, 
good transportation, cheap labor and a most favorable location with re- 
spect to the sources of raw material as well as to market. It is a town 



259 

that has survived the stress of industrial and commercial depressions and fluctua- 
tions, and to-day it is enjoying greater prosperity, and has a brighter future than 
at any other time of its history. 

Buena Vista is situated in one of the most desirable parts of the Valley of Viro'inia. 

It lies between the western slopes of the Blue Kidge mountains and the north 
branch of James river, eight miles from Lexington, and fourteen miles from one of 
nature's greatest wonders — Natural Bridge. 

Its altitude ranges from 1,000 to 1,100 feet above sea level, while the mountains 
on the east and south rise to a height of 2,500 feet. Its climate is not severe in 
winter, and in summer its fresh breezes and cool nights bring health and comfort. 
In no part of this favored section has nature been more lavish with her beauty or 
combined more varied charms of scenery. 

It is located on two railroads — the Shenandoah Valley division of the Norfolk 
and Western and the James river division of the Chesapeake and Ohio, the latter 
connecting at Lexington with the Valley division of the Baltimore and Ohio. > 

By these railroads Buena Vista is furnished coal from the Pocahontas region of 
Virginia, and from the New river district of West Virginia, at low rates, "in the 
immediate section surroimding the town are vast mineral and timber resources, 
and fertile blue grass lands. The water power furnished by North river is but 
partially utilized. 

The town has a population of 3,000 industrious and thrifty people. It owns its 
water works, and purest freestone water is supplied by gravity from limped moun- 
tain streams. 

An electric light plant, owned by the town, but now leased, furnishes lights, arc 
and incandescent, on most reasonable terms. There are eight churches, two banks, 
a modem and well equipped sanitarium, and mmierous stores in the town. 

A public graded school, with an enrolment of about five hundred and a capable 
corps of teachers, is maintained nine months in the year and thorough work is bein" 
done. There is also the Southern Seminary, a college for young ladies, with 
splendid buildings, capable of furnishing accommodation for 150 or 200 girls'. 

Among the enterprises now in successful operation are the following: Paper 
and pulp mill, blast fm-nace, extract plant, a five-set woolen mill, and fire brick 
plant, a tannery and a foundry, a sash, door and blind factory, saddle factory 
and a patent roller flour mill. ' 

In the foothills near the town, mining operations are successfully carried on. 
The mountains surrounding the town abound in beautiful pink sandstone. 

From the character of the enterprises now in operation a large per cent, of the 
employees are men. The women and children in the homes would supply the 
necessary help in knitting mills, shirt factories and similar industries. Buena 
Vista's location in the Iron Belt and its railroad facilities make it a fine site for car- 
plant, machine shop and the manufactiu-e of all iron products. As an index to the 
volume of business done in the town, mention is made of the fact that the receipts 
for freight hauled to and from the town by the two railroads passing through it for 
the fiscal year ending June 30th, 1905, amounted to $324,557 .67. 

With its wealth of natural resources, its superior transportation facilities, its 
proximity to the great markets, its central geographical position, which puts the 
southern as near as the northern trade, Buena Vista offers a combination of advan- 
tages that few other localities of the South can equal. 

Her people are liberal and broad-minded, and bid strangers welcome. Cheap 
houses and cheap sites can be secm-ed on easy terms. 



CHARLOTTESVILLE. 

Charlottesville is the county seat of Albemarle county and near the center of the 
State. The railroad facilities are excellent, two great trunk lines passing through 
the county, the Chesapeake and Ohio east and west, and the Southern railroad 
north and south. The city has three banks, two national, and one State bank 
Among the manufacturing enterprises is the Charlottesville Woolen Mills, making 
specially military goods. The Monticello Wine Co., located here, has a big reputa- 



260 



tion for its table wines, and has a large foreign market. It owns a four-story brick 
building with a capacity of 250,000 gallons. A cigar factory and several planing 
mills are also enterprises of Charlottesville. 

The city has a population of about ten thousand. The celebrated University 
of Virginia, with over seven hrmdred students, is located here, besides which are 
several excellent female schools, and one of the best public schools m the State. 

Charlottesville has electric street cars and electric lights on the streets. The 
city owns its gas plant and water system. The town is growing in a substantial 
and healthy way. It has a large back country and the merchants here do a profit- 
able business. Nearly every religious denomination is well represented, with full 
membership and handsome chiu-ches, and most of the leading orders have organi- 
zations. 



DANVILLE. 

The city of Danville, which thirty-three years ago was a straggling village with 
a few hundred ambitious citizens, has grown so rapidly in size, wealth and impor- 
tance, that now it ranks among the largest of the cities of Virginia, with a population 
of 25,000, last census. 

It is situated on Dan river, from whence its name, in Pittsylvania county, two 
and a half miles from the North Carolina line, 240 miles south of Washington, 208 
miles west of Norfolk and 140 southwest from Richmond, at an elevation of 413 
feet above sea level. 

Danville was the first c'ty in the United States to own its electric lighting plant. 
It has also a gas plant and fmnishes its people with cheaper light than scarcely 
any other city in the country. Its water supply is from a watershed, running 
ninety miles to the Blue Ridge, and its water power has a fall of 19 feet at Danville, 
and a minimum flow yielding about 3,000 horee power. 

. The city is situated in the healthful Piedmont country and is ascertained to be 
very near the health center of the United States. Her natural drainage and 
sewerage system is unsm-passed and the water works, in addition to superior equip- 
ment in other respects, includes a reservoir with a capacity of six million gallons. 
The total length of water mains is twenty-foiu- miles and the price of water is at the 
low rate of 7^ cents per 1,000 gallons. In connection with this subject it may be 
stated that it is surrounded by a great variety of mineral springs, among which are 
Patrick Springs, Carter's Sulpho-Calcic and Hodnett's, all of which are easily 
accessible, and there are two beautiful well-laid-out parks. One of the best equip- 
ped city hospitals in the south is also the boast of the city. 

Danville enjoys very superior church privileges. Rarely will there be found a 
community in which so large a proportion of its population is identified with the 
churches, and with active Christian enterprise. Nearly all the leading denomina- 
tions are represented. There are six Methodist churches, four Baptist, three Pres- 
byterian, three Episcopal, one Christian, one Catholic, one Jewish, together valued 
at $270,000, and eight large colored churches valued at $35,000. Many of the 
chm'ch buildings are of modern style of architecture and handsome, imposing 
structures. The large, and comfortable tabernacle with a seating capacity of 
four thousand is a monument to the fraternal spirit and evangelical zeal of the 
chiu'ches and pastors. In this large buUding great religious meetings are held 
from time to time under the co-operative superintendence of the chm'ches. Con- 
nected with each church are flourishing Sunday-schools and an unusually well- 
equipped corps of teachers and officers. 

Few cities the size of DanviUe enjoy better educational facilities. It has the 
primary and grammar grade system of free schools for both white and colored and 
a high school connection with each, which continue in operation nine calendar 
months. It has excellent school buildings, supplied with all the modern conven- 
iences. The present total em'oUment of pupils is 2,643, of whom 1,627 are white 
and 1,076 colored. Number of teachers fifty-two, 35 white and 17 colored. Cost 
of public schools about $15,000 aimually. Besides the public schools there is a 
preparatory school for boys and a number of private and denominational schools, 



261 

which are well patronized; Roanoke Female College (the oldest) was established 
in 1859, and is under the control of the Baptists. The second female school of 
high grade, in point of age is the Randolph-Macon Institute — successor to the 
Danville College for young ladies, which was established in 1883 under the auspices 
of the Methodist Episcopal Chmxh, South. The Danville Military Institute was 
established in 1890 and has five departments of instruction — classical, scientific, 
English, commercial and military, the latter department conducted by an officer 
of the regular army. The Danville Commercial College, organized in 1893, is 
equipped with modern furniture, and affords advantages equal to those oftered 
by leading business colleges of the South. The Danville Academy of Medicine and 
Surgery is a permanent organization, its membership consisting of a majority of 
the physicians of the city. 

Danville does a fine banking business, due largely to her immense loose tobacco 
business, which requires a great deal of capital and which is furnished to a large 
extent, by her own banking institutions. 

There are two cotton factories, the Riverside Cotton Mills — capital $2,000,000, 
sm-plus $£00,000 — and 69,000 spindles. The Dan River Power and Manufacturing 
Company is still larger than the Riverside, and when completed will be of 80,000 
spindle capacity; the two combined employing over 4,700 operatives. 

The daily newspapers are The Register and The Bee, the former morning, and 
the latter evening papers. In addition, there is The Tobacco Journal, issued 
weekly in the interest of the tobacco trade; also temperance, labor, and church 
oi'gans; of the latter The Baptist Union, a monthly church journal published in the 
interest of the Baptist denomination, and The Methodist, also a church monthly 
published in the interest of the Methodist Episcopal Chm-ch, South. 

The electric street car line has been rebuilt and extended at an expenditure of 
about $300,000, and now has some seven miles of track in operation, a good portion, 
through the thickly settled part of the city, double track. 

Hotel and boarding house facilities are superior, consisting of thi-ee fii-st-class 
hotels and several licensed private boarding-houses. The city has many handsome 
and extensive buildings — a fine City Hall, United States public building. Masonic 
Temple (cost $40,000), the Dudley Block, Mam Street (cost $60,000), the American 
Tobacco Company's large storage warehouse, and numerous others. The residence 
portion of the city is very atti-active with its many elegant homes, and as a place 
of residence offers many advantages. 

The transportation facilities of DanviUe are excelled by few cities in the South. 
It is the western terminus of the Atlantic and Danville railway, the eastern ter- 
minus of the Danville and Western railway, and the junction pomt of three of the 
Southern railway's branches. The main line of the Southern passes through the 
city, and the Richmond branch, 140 miles in length, connects Danville with the 
capital of the State. The Southern railway also has a line between Danville and 
Portsmouth, through which port most of its eastern and foreign business passes. 

The city is cormected with its prosperous twin city. North Danville, by a magni- 
ficent iron bridge spanning Dan river, making them one in their interests and busi- 
ness relations. Danville has been, from its earliest days, prominently a tobacco 
town, and now the tobacco trade makes the strong claim that it is the largest 
bright tobacco market in the world, handling about 45,000,000 pounds yearly, 
representing approximately four and a half million dollars. This claim is rea- 
sonable, when it is understood that Pittsylvania and all the finest bright tobacco 
growing counties in Virginia and North Carolina are convenient and pour their 
great product by thousands of wagons and himdreds of freight trains from this 
wide area into the great market, where the farmer sells promptly, is paid at once, 
and goes home at the day's end with his pocket-book well lined, and himself laden 
with goods and family supplies from the many well-stocked stores of the city. 
Thus it is that Danville, in the season, is one of the busiest markets of trade in the 
country. Since 1869 this market has sold for the farmers 1,261,888,230 pounds 
of leaf tobacco. With this immense business to handle, Danville must necessarily 
have good thoroughfares, and she has 39 miles of paved, graded and macadamized 
streets, upon which hundreds of thousands of dollars have been spent. 



263 

The assessed valuation of property owned by the city, including gas, water and 
electric plants, foots up $812,933.77, and the total value of all property, real and 
personal, in the city, is $12,280,287. Among the principal manufacturing indus- 
tries in Danville are an extensive knitting mill, foundry and machine shDps, two 
large grist mills, flouring mills, overall and pants factory, two good brick yards, 
three large furniture factories, two sash, door and blind factories and three up-to- 
date printing offices, with a pay roll averaging $37,500 per week, totaling about 
$2,000,000 annually. 

Danville has also three building and loan associations, with a total capital and 
undivided surplus of $151,517.56, a complete telephone system with 905 phones, 
many excellent charitable institutions and twenty secret orders famed for their 
liberality and helpfulness. The wholesale and retail trade is healthy and progres- 
sive, and Danville's commercial association is alive to every interest of the city and 
being composed of active, intelligent business men, in every department of trade or 
profession, loses no opportunity to advise and assist all worthy enterprises which 
may need its good offices. 

The following enterprises have been established within the past two years. 
Home Savings Bank, Anderson Overall and Shirt Manufacturing Co., one High 
School, located in the Municipal Building, a Boarding School for boys, one theatre, 
costing $40,000.00, a new Y. M. C. A. building is nearing completion, and the city 
has recently purchased a lot costing $17,000.00 upon which they will erect at an 
early date a large and commodious school building. 



rREDEIlICKSBTJRG. 

Fredericksburg is sixty miles north of Richmond and sixty miles south of Wash- 
ington; is at the head of tidewater in the Rappahannock river valley and is within 
a few hours of the big markets of the eastern seaboard. Five great trunk lines 
run their trains through the city every day over the R. F. & P. railroad; the Poto- 
mac, Fredericksburg & Piedmont railroad furnishes transportation facilities west, 
and connection with the Southern, and Chesapeake and Ohio railroad, and large 
steamers and freight barges ship from the city's wharves, provide this section with 
cheap water freights. This city and section are healthful, no epidemic. ever having 
visited them, and the death rate is extremely low. A splendid water power of a 
present capacity of five thousand horse power, and a possible capacity of ten thou- 
sand, fturnishes cheap power to three large flom" mills, two electric light plants, stone 
cutters, large woolen mill, large silk mill, and other factories. There are, in addition 
to the factories mentioned, two shoe factories, one shirt factory, canning factory, 
overalls and pants factory, cigar factory, several wood-working plants, the largest 
sumac mills in the South, and a large tannery and three newspapers and several 
printing offices, in addition to numerous other smaller manufacturing plants. 
Several large pickle factories and excelsior mills, and two large iron foundiies, 
with the other factories, furnish employment to many hundreds of workmen and 
women and add to the business importance of the city. Fredericksburg is the 
center of the hardwood trade of the State and is the main terminus of the R. F. & 
P. railroad. 

The last few years have been marked by great material progress in this city. 
The sound of the saw and hammer are heard on every side as substantial business 
houses and beautiful residences are being erected. The city has taken on new life 
and awakened to the splendid possibilities possessed. Real estate values have 
steadily increased during the last five years from thirty to one hundred per cent. 
The growth of population has been gradual but steady. Fredericksburg offers 
splendid opportunities for the location of factories on account of her excellent water 
power. The credit of the city is imsurpassed, its foiu^ per cent, bonds selling at a 
handsome premiiun. 

In 1906 the stock of the Fredericksbm-g Power Company changed hands, and 
they have approximately spent $250,000.00, increasing the magnificent water 
power afforded by the Rappahannock river. Hydraulic experts state that with 
the completion of this development, a constant power of 60,000 horse power will 



265 

be affoi'ded; resulting in cheap power, and the construction of other manufactur- 
ing plants on the excellent sites here obtainable. 

There is now under construction a new concrete dam, which will be completed 
in the early Spring of 1909. 

To those in search of homes or manufacturing sites, Fredericksburg offers many 
advantages. The city is rich in historical associations, with a ciiltured and refined 
people and a mild and delightful climate, making it an ideal spot for the home 
seeker. 

The coimtry contiguous is the equal of any in the world for combined general 
farming, stock-raising, grasses, vegetables, fruit, grain, fuel, water, fish and game, 
and the climate is mild and equable, the mountains to the west about fifty miles 
sheltering this section, and the Gulf stream off the capes adding to its healthfulness 
and genial qualitias. 



LYNCHBURG. 

Lynchburg, the thriving city of Campbell county, was laid out as a town in 1786, 
and named for John Lynch, an officer in the Revolution, and one of its fii-st settlers. 
He donated the land for its site. It was an important crossing on James river in 
"Ye olden times," known as Lynch's Ferry. Being for many years the western 
terminus of canal transportation from Richmond, before the advent of railroads, 
it was a commercial metropolis of the country, reaching to and embracing a large 
portion of the States of North Carolina, Tennessee and Kentucky; and, being the 
natural gateway and distributing point of this rich and extensive territory, it still 
maintains its importance as a commercial center. 

It is situated in the extreme northern part of the county, on the hills overlooking 
the James river on the south and west, 624 feet above sea level, and on account of 
its picturesque and elevated location, it has acquired the name of the "Hill City." 
It has well paved streets, electric lights and street cars; also modern municipal 
water service of pure water piped from the mountains of Nelson at the cost of over 
half a million dollars. 

It has a delightful climate, exceedingly healthful. Mineral waters and summer 
resorts of wide reputation are within a few hours' travel. 

There are thirty churches in the city, some of which are very handsome, and the 
Young Men's Chi-istian Association, with $93,000 in hand, is building an elegant 
structure. Educational advantages are very superior, embracing eight public 
schools and a number of good private schools, a business college and the famous 
Randolph-Macon Woman's College, with a large and valuable addition in 1906, 
the Presbyterian Orphanage and the Christian College. 

The six fine banking institutions are in a flourishing condition, having a combined 
capital of $1,200,000, surplus $910,000, with total deposits amounting to over six 
and a quarter millions. The deposits in the past ten years show an increase of 
$3,912,857, and in the last ten months of $72-5,230. 

There are two excellent daily newspapers, morning and evening — the News, and 
the Advance. 

Lynchburg has also two superior h-tels and several smaller but popular ones, 
and a fine United States building. The Miller Orphan Asylum, in a nearby 
suburb, has commodious buildings, and large endowment, and a beautiful ancl 
extensive park. 

The city is connected with Madison — a suburban town of Amherst county, two 
thousand inhabitants — by a free bridge across the James, and also with its suburb 
Rivermont, by a splendid iron bridge over Blackwater creek, twelve hundred feet 
in length, sixty feet in width, and one hundred and thirty-two feet in height, with a 
double electric railway and two roadways, and walking ways. This bridge reaches 
an avenue ninety feet wide, upon which is located Randolph-Macon Woman's 
College, the Presbyterian Orphanage, the Public Library and many beautiful 
residences. 

The three largest railroad systems of the South, the Southern, Norfolk and 
Western, and Chesapeake and Ohio, ccntrclling 10,440 miles of railway, (also the 



266 



Lynchburg and Durham raikoad), center here, offering competitive rates and ready 
commimication with all parts of the country. The amoimt of tonnage received in 
Lynchburg annually is two billion pounds, the amoimt forwarded one billion 
poimds, and the number of daily passenger trains is twenty. 

The advantages of Lynchbm'g as a manufacturing center, on account of its 
splendid water power, close proximity to a vast tributary country, fmnishing 
coal, cotton, tobacco, iron, timber and other raw material, superior transportation 
facilities, low, taxes and freight rates, have attracted the attention of prospective 
manufactm-ers and, as a consequence, secured the establishment of new industries, 
and development along all industrial lines. 

There are in the city more than fifty enterprising manufactories, of which the 
principal are Adams-Monroe Manufactming Company; Adams Brothers-Paynes 
Company, brick and building material; American Cigar Company; Almond Dry 
Goods Company; American Trunk Manufacturiag Company; American Snuff 
Company; Allen Bros. Tobacco Company; Acme Mill Works; American Mangan- 
ese Company; J. P. Bell Company, blank books, stationery and publications; 
Beverly & Scott, barrels and hogsheads; T. J. Bass & Bro., cigars; Butler & Butler, 
cigarettes; Smith Baxandall, custom-made clothing; Commercial Printing Com- 
pany; Camm Bros., bottlers; P. G. Cosby & Co., coffee, baking powder and salt 
fish; K. E. DeWitt, sash, doors and blinds; C. P. Doss, cigars; Doherty & Casey 
and Thos. B. Dornin Company, cornice and sheet metal; M. E. Doyle, saddles and 
harness; Fiedler & Bay, tombstones and marble products; Fleenor Furniture 
Company, mattresses; M. Goldstein, ladies' wearing apparel; S. H. Franklin, 
custom-made clothing; Glamorgan Pipe and Foundry Company; Gilliam & Co., 
mattresses; C. M. Guggenheimer, millinery and woman's wearing apparel; J. E. 
Gutman, millinery; Hancock Brothers Tobacco Company, chewing tobacco; 
Harris Carriage Company; Harris Woodson & Co., candy and confections; 
Hughes Buggy Company; John H. Heald & Co., bark extract; Hubard Machine 
Shops; N. B. Handy Company, sheet metal; Highlander Tobacco Company; 
Jones-Terry Foundry and Machine Shops; Lynchbm'g Steam Bakery; Lyncnbm-g 
Cotton Mill Company; Lynchbm'g Milling Company; Lynchburg Lounge Company; 
Lynchbm-g Paper Box Company; Lynchburg Foundry Company; Lynchburg 
Diamond Ice Company; Lynchburg Furniture Company; Lynchburg Hosiery 
Mills; Lloyd Moore, planing mill products; D. Moses & Co., picture frames, win- 
dow shades and millinery; J. R. Milliner Company, women's wearing apparel and 
millinery; T. E. McLaughlin, bottled goods and mineral water; Nelson, Klein & 
Krausse Co., barytes; Ninth Street Shoe Factory; Norfolk & Western Overall 
Company; Old Dominion Box Company; M. O'Meara, custom-made clothing; 
Pierce & Akers, brick and building material; Payne, Seay & Anderson, druggists; 
Piedmont Milling Company; H. A. Robinson, peanuts and popcorn; Stamford 
Manufacturing Company, dyestuffs; A. M. Shaner, buggies, wagons and carriages; 
Southland Shoe Factory; R. H. Shepherd, cigars; Strother Drug Company; 
G. Stalling & Co., tobacco extract; W. O. Taylor, planing mill products; Thornhill 
Wagon Works; I. Tonik, women's wearing apparel; United Cigarette Machine 
Company; Virginia-Carolina Chemical Company; J. I. Van Ness, tombstone and 
marble products; S. A. Wright, planing mill products; L. O. Wrenn, saddles and 
harness; J. A. Wilkins and Liggon and Holt, stationery and printing; Wills-Camp 
Co., custom-made clothing; J. W. West & Co., chewing tobacco; Craddock-Terry 
Company; and Geo. DeWitt Company, shoes. 

The capital employed in manufacturing plants in Lynchburg reached the stun 
of $4,604,740, as of January 1, 1906. 

The number of employees of these factories is 5,012. 

The amoimt paid out for the annual aggregate of pay rolls is $1,469,018.00. 

The value of manufacturing plants is $2,835,618. 

The total output of the city from its manufactm'ing enterprise reaches the total 
of $15,000,000. 

About four years ago similar statistics to the foregoing were compiled, and the 
result of a comparison between the two shows an increase in the value of manufac- 
tured products of nearly seven million and a half dollars, or over 150 per cent. 



267 

The largest plants in the city are those manufacturing pipe, plows, shoes, cotton 
goods, cigars, tobacco, flour and bark extract, but the multiplicity of the smaller 
plants make up in their great number what they lack in individual size of output 
and contribute no little to the prosperity of the community. 

During the year the building permits issued in the city, show a grand total of 
$872,325, while a conservative estimate of the cost of new structures in the imme- 
diate suburbs places the amount at $300,000. The class of buildings erected during 
the year is far ahead of anything ever before seen in the city. 

The Southern Bell Telephone Company has just completed the installation of a 
new underground metallic central energy system of telephones, which when com- 
pleted, will represent an outlay of $200,000. 

The Lynchburg Traction and Light Company has completed at Reusens, several 
miles above the city on the James river, a water power plant, which has cost nearly 
$500,000. 

The Southern Fire Insurance Company with a capitalization of $200,000, a 
product of the year, is doing a splendid business, and the promoters of the American 
National Life Insurance Company, which will be limited to $500,000, has begun 
business recently with $100,000 of its stock sold at a premium. 

The Old Dominion Bridge and Iron Company has been organized, and, it is said, 
will soon be ready to begin work on its plant in the southern portion of the city. 

The Krise Banking and Office Building, with its seven stories, Lynchburg's "sky 
scraper," and a decided ornament and convenience to the city, was completed 
and occupied early in the year 1906. 

The railways have enjoyed great prosperity during the year, both the freight and 
passenger business of all the roads being larger than ever before. During the year 
ending July 1st, there were sold 325,869 tickets out of the city. 

One of the achievements of the year has been the fact that every cent on an 
assessment of about $9,000,000 of real estate for city purposes has been collected, 
a condition that probably has never anywhere existed in the South. 

The manufacture and trade in shoes has, of recent years, attracted much atten- 
tion to Lynchburg, on account of the immense business done by the Craddock- 
Terry Company, and the George De. Witt Company. Their success has been so 
marked that both of these fii-ms are building new factories, with which to largely 
increase, if not double, their output, and the Smith-Briscoe Company is also 
erecting a large factory for making men's shoes and in the near future Lynchburg 
may threaten the monopoly of the shoe business of the South. 

Another leading business of the city is that of cast-iron pipes, in which the Gla- 
morgan and the Lynchburg Pipe Works are engaged. These products are now 
sold in every State in the Union. 

In twenty-five years the volume of business done by the wholesalers of Lynch- 
burg has grown from nothing to over twenty-two millions of dollars annually, and 
the growth for the year 1905 exceeded that of any previous year. 

Instead of the one or two straggling salesmen who at the beginning of the period 
sometimes made trips, there are now over four hundred knights of the grip on the 
road representing Lynchburg houses. It costs the merchants nearly three-quarters 
of a million dollars every year to keep these men in the field. Something over 
five million dollars is the capital actually invested by these distributers in the 
operation of their business, and they employ over six hundred house and stock 
men at a cost of five himdred thousand dollars in yearly salaries, thus providing 
a circulating medium from this source alone of nearly ten thousand dollars a week 
within the city limits. 



MANCHESTER. 

The city of Manchester is thought to be the oldest settlement, next to Jamestown 
in Virginia, dating back nearly 300 years, having been settled seventy-eight years 
before Philadelphia, May 13, 1609, by Sir Thomas West (Lord De La Ware), the 
president of the Virginia colony. In 1773 the James river bank was established 
there, bein^ one of the first banks in America. The city is in Chesterfield county, 
opposite Richmor)d, on the southern bank of James River, at the head of tidewater, 



268 



having an altitude of 38 feet, and by the census of 1900, a population of 9,715 with 
a nearby suburban population of five or six thousand persons. 

Manchester is virtually in the heart of Richmond. The center of Manchester 
is but a few squares from the corner of Seventh and Broad streets, in Richmond, 
and Manchester is hedged in by Richmond, on thi'ee sides, and Forest Hill Park, 
with its beauty and sylvan attractions, is as near the central business part of Rich- 
mond as Richmond College or Libby Hill Park. There are fine street car lines in 
this city, whpse service has been quickened and rendered more efficient. These 
two considerations put Manchester in the very heart of Richmond. Therefore, 
if Richmond succeeds, Manchester is bound to succeed. 

She has three street car lines, which connect her with all parts of Richmond on 
the most favorable condition of transfer. She is connected with Petersburg by a 
splendid electric railway, which is superbly built and equipped, and which also 
connects her with all of the intervening portion of Chesterfield county. She has 
fine railway and transportation facilities, being in close economical contact as far 
as her business, manufacturing and commercial interests are concerned with the 
great railway systems of the Atlantic Coast Line, the Southern, the Cheaspeake and 
Ohio railway system and the Seaboard Air Line, and the steamboat companies of 
the James river. These railways traversing her territory, and the territory of the 
county of Chesterfield, contiguous to her limits, afford splendid facilities for trans- 
portation and intercourse, and from the situation of these lines and their length 
in the city and county, together with their proximity to business centers, and 
especially to Richmond, present almost imlimited sites of great excellence and 
suitability for all kinds of manufacturing enterprises and general business. 

Bordering the James river for at least two miles, the city possesses one of the 
most magnificent water powers in this State, which will most favorably compare 
with that of any other spot in this country, as well as fine harbor facilities in that 
part of the city opposite the wharves of Richmond. 

The usual summer discharge of the river is about 2,000 cubic feet per second. 
During freshets the discharge is much greater, and at one time, in 1877, the dis- 
charge was estimated to have reached the enormous quantity of 200,000 cubic 
feet per second. The river, however, is so well regulated and its capacity for 
discharge so great, that this great volume of water was carried off without loss or 
destruction of property. 

The taxes in Manchester are graduated and based upon the business done, 
not the amount of capital invested. This wise provision has induced many mer- 
chants and manufacturers to locate here, prominent among which are the Donnan 
Hardware Company; Stephen Putney Shoe Company; Virginia-Carolina Chemical 
Company; Richmond Electric Company; Richmond Wood Working Company; 
Johnson Axle Factory; Wingo, EUett & Crump Shoe Co.; Blair-Ruhl Glass Works 
and James River Furniture and Mattress Company. 

The health of the city is excellent, the rate of mortality having been materially 
decreased of late. The sewerage system, amply adequate; the water works well 
managed and in excellent condition; and the fire department is economically con- 
ducted and very efficient. 

Manchester is proud of her banks, of which there are two progressive and well- 
managed institutions, and the finances of the city are in good condition and well 
managed . 

The religious and educational opportunities of Manchester are unusual for a city 
of its size, there being sixteen church edifices, representing all denominations, of 
which ten are white, the others colored. Some of the buildings are beautiful and 
costly. The children of the city are provided with very good public schools, which 
are conducted by an experienced superintendent and competent principals and 
teachers, and are adopting progressive methods, especially in music and drawing. 

The American Telephone and Telegraph Company has a very fine exchange, 
located in the Leader building, corner of Tenth and Hull streets, in this city. 
Employees, twenty-four. The equipment is complete and up-to-date. All of the 
telephone business of the commimity, including Richmond, as far north as Maine, 
south as Florida, and west as Denver, passes through this office. 



26.9 

Manchester is connected with Richmond by seven bridges— five raih-oad and 
two wagon-way and street car bridges— and a new free bridge is contemplated 
which erection is considered as merely a question of time. ' 

There are many prosperous and " profitable manufacturing establishments in 
this city, where a great variety of products are turned out, constituting the busi- 
ness lite ot the city. Among these may be mentioned dynamos and motors hosiery 
belting, butts, rough side leather, ground sumac, lumber, flour, meal and mill feed' 
lace. leather, brooms, washboards, woodwork, paper— coated and enameled— iron 
bridges, railway axles, ice, tobacco, furnitm-e, shoes, paper twine, railroad material 
fertilizers, brick and tiles, glass bottles, stoves, etc. ' 

Thousands of men are engaged in these mamifactures and but few idle men are 
seen on the streets. 

A great many people have come to this place to reside. Hundreds have been 
compelled to seek homes in Richmond and the surrounding country because the 
r°''!®!n^'^ Manchester are all occupied. It is conservatively estimated that at 
least 400 new homes could be rented here in the next few months, if built to meet 
the demand, which is for houses with modern conveniences and improvements 
at reasonably profitable rentals. The outlook for real estate, as inquiries indicate 
show renewed interest and is most encouraging. ' 

At no time in the history of this city have her pr<ispects been brighter and more 
nattering. 

NEWPORT NEWS. 

Newport News is an important port and ship building center, a modern citv of 
lidewater Virginia. It was, according to the best authority, named for Sir Wil- 
liam Newce^(a wealthy English soldier who was granted 2,600 acres of land and 
settle^d at this pomt, October, 1621, dying soon after) and not, as is sometimes 
stat-ed, after Captam Newport. This old English voyager died in Java prior to 
lali' Tu"" , '' fo^V^ears before he is claimed to have relieved the settlement in 
^Y^with a ship load of provisions. Captain Johii Smith, in the General Historv 
of ^'irginia, November 22, 1621, mentions the place as Newport News, which is 
perhaps the first time the name occurs in history. 

Twenty-five^ years ago this peninsula, which is washed bv the James river on 
the west and Hampton Roads on the south, was virtually a wilderness To-day 
It IS a city, as modern and as enterprising as any in the countrv. Nearby, within 
the range of vision is a population of 60,000 some day to become citizens of a 
metropolis that will extend from what is now known as North Newport News to 
the government reservation at Old Point, nine miles away 

Between the city proper and Old Point is a section already well built up, embrac- 
ing the towns of Hampton and Phoebus, and another stretch of five miles between 
the former and Newport News, traversed by two electric lines and a railway and 
building up with marvelous rapidity. 

Newport News is situated on a plateau considerably elevated above high tide at 
the extreme end of the Virginia peninsula, where the historic James empties into 
Hampton Roads twelve miles from Norfolk, seventy-five miles from Richmond 
and two hundred miles from Washington and Baltimore. 

The water supply is ample for all purp3ses, and is brought in underground pipes 
from a lake sixteen miles north of the city. s F F 

The streets of the city are nicely paved with sheet asphalt, and there are three 
costly viaducts, spanning the Chesapeake and Ohio yards. It is well licrhted bv 
electricity and gas, and has a magnificent sanitarv 'sewer system, a splendidly 
equipped lire department, and a well-crganized and disciplined police force 

Ihe busmess of the city is in a splendid condition. Real estate values are firm 
wich no important failures. Industrial investments have recently been secured' 
including a shoe factory, brewery, and mantel and grate plant, besides several other 
^n mnRnl? ^I'u- *" '''^^ ^'^^ ^ ^^^^ assessment of $10,000,000, on personalty, 

■ ^'uVT^^'T'*^^®^''^^™'''^*^ °" industries, hardly more than nominal, and bonded 
indebtedness less than .$500,000. It has a tax rate of $1.50 for all purposes, $1 15 of 
which gees into the municipal and school coffers. r r > 



270 

The admirable climate, insignificant death rate, and light percentage of sickness, 
commends it as a place of residence and business. 

There are twenty churches, representing the various denominations, many of 
which are costly and handsome edifices. School facilities are very superior, with 
a fine corps of efficient teachers, and five large brick school buildings and several 
smaller city schools, in addition to a number of private educational institutions, 
including a kindergarten. Few cities of the same age and population anywhere 
have done so much for the education of the children. 

The city has seven banks — aU soimd and doing a flourishing business — and two 
excellent daily papers. The hotels of the city have excellent accommodations. The 
public buildings are a handsome courthouse, and jail, and a government building 
erected at a cost of $250,000, for postoffice and custom house purposes. 
Building activity is very marked; new residences — and some very handsome ones- 
are going up in every section; also large and handsome business houses, and office 
buildings, school houses, engine houses, livery establishments, etc. 

Newport News has but one railroad, the Chesapeake and Ohio, it being the deep 
water terminus. It is one of several factors in the development of the city, and 
is the largest single railway terminal in the world; comprising ten large commercial 
piers, two monster grain elevators, sixty miles of track in its yards, and a fleet of 
two steamers, five tugs, two car floats, and six coal barges, representing an invest- 
ment of probably $8,000,000. Between 250,000 and 300,000 cars are handled 
annually in the Chesapeake and Ohio yards. 

Co-operating with the railroad are a number of shipping companies which operate 
regular lines from Newport News to European ports, and in addition a number of 
coastwise and river lines operate from this port to all convenient points on the 
river and coast. The passenger traffic is also very heavy. 

Foxu- daily trains leave for, and arrive from, Richmond, making connection with 
the steamer for Norfolk and Portsmouth. The railway and steamship companies 
pay out here weekly about $40,000. Besides, a great many tramp steamers come 
and go daily. 

There are several foundries in a prosperous condition, also a knitting mill, shirt 
factory and tobacco factory. 

Another vast enterprise to which Newport News largely owes its existence is its 
Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company. The ship yard employs 7,000 men and has 
a weekly pay roll of $65,000. The capital invested in the plant is about $16,000,000. 
There are two monster dry docks, one of them the largest on the American conti- 
nent, constructed at a cost of $1,000,000 and capable of accommodating the largest 
vessel ever constructed. The basin holds 24,000,000 gallons, and is filled by an 
electrical pumping system, with a capacity of 200,000 gallons a minute. The 
company has also two electrical cranes above two ship ways. The yard is supplied 
with the largest electrical lifting crane in the world, having a capacity of 1£0 tons, 
and in other respects it is perfectly equipped for its large business which is perhaps 
twice as much annually as that of any other ship yard in' the United States. Large 
numbers of naval and merchant ships are built at this yard. The great battleship 
Virginia was laimched in 1904 in the presence of 70,000 people. In addition to 
construction work, the yard is kept busy day and night on repair jobs. 

April 2, 1909, will mark the 28th anniversary of the birth of the port at this 
place, for it was on that day twenty-six years ago that the British steamship 
Paxe sailed with the firat cargo of export goods brought here over the Chesapeake 
& Ohio railroad. From this modest beginning, the commerce of Newport News 
has grown with such rapid strides, that to-day it is one of the leading seaports in the 
United States. Indeed, it would be conservative to say that the increase in trade 
here has been hardly less than a commercial miracle. The duties collected annually 
amount to about $1,200,000. 

Newport News has cne of the largest, deepest and safest harbors on the Atlantic 
coast, with depth of water ranging from eight to eleven fathoms, and capable of 
accommodating the navies, martial and commercial, of the planet. A signal 
tower nearly 100 feet above sea level warns mariners of approaching storms day 
and night. ^ 



271 

This is perhaps, with Norfolk, the best coaling station on the continent, and its 
business in this respect has grown to enormous proportions, amounting to 3,000,000 
tons annually — requiring 65,324 cars, which, if strimg together, would reach a, 
-distance of 457 miles. The record of this port for its coal business is probably not 
equalled anywhere in the United States, and it is rapidly increasing in volume and 
importance. 

Reference to the coal business would be decidedly incomplete without particular 
mention of the increase in its foreign coal trade. The total value of goods that 
pass through Newport News to and from foreign countries annually is about 
150,000,000, of which amount about $38,000,000 is exported and $12,000,000 is 
imported. The aggregate duties amount to $3,200,000, which shows a large 
increase for the past two years, surpassing any other port in the United States in 
this respect. 

In all respects the city continues to grow rapidly. Building operations are active . 
The suburbs are becoming more thickly populated; Northern and Western farmers 
.are settling on lands adjacent to the city for trucking pm-poses, and a large amoimt 
of outside capital is awaiting investment here. These and many other agencies 
.are contributing to the upbuilding of the city, 

Population of city, census of 1900, was 19,635, which is an increase of 15,186 
since last census. This shows a phenomenal increase, and if the city continues to 
grow in population the next five years as it has in the past five, it wiU boast of 40,000 
or more inhabitants. 

It has a commimity of wide-awake and progressive people, which can but prove 
-to be an important element in its future progress and advancement. 



NORFOLK. 

This city, which for generations, on account of its commanding commercial 
:situation on the deep and safe waters of Elizabeth river and Hampton Roads, has 
been known among Virginians as the "City by the Sea," not only maintains its 
prominence as the great seaport of the commonwealth, but has, of late years, 
-advanced rapidly in size, wealth and importance. At the head of a harbor so deep 
that the largest ships afloat anchor with safety there, and so wide that the com- 
bined fleets of the world may float imcrowded on its smooth waters, it challenges 
the seaports of the globe for a superior position. Virginians from the early years 
of the aspiring colony, to the present time, when as citizens of a great and progressive 
.State, looking bravely and hopefully to the future, have felt, and do feel proud of 
Norfolk. They share, with its people, their exultation as they see it risen from 
-the desolation of a long and disastrous war — a desolation now forgotten in the 
progress and wealth and opportunity of the great city by the sea. 

During the last forty years, the development and prosperity of Norfolk's harbor, 
have, in one way and another, been impeded. Those difficulties having been ad- 
justed or overcome, a substantial and rapid advancement in every direction now 
prevails, and the 30 miles of wharf front, embracing the contiguous cities of Ports- 
mouth and Berkeley, are alive with great and constantly increasing activity. 
Large amoimts of local capital and many thousands of foreign money are profitably 
invested, and there is room for almost any additional amount, with sm-e promise 
of large gains in present or new investments. When it is remembered that Nor- 
folk is the central port on the whole Atlantic coast for the exportation of both 
.Southern and Western products, and thus the export gateway of a vast agricultural, 
manufacturing and mineral territory, the statement just made may be imderstood. 

The Norfolk and Western railroad. Southern, Seaboard Air Line, Chesapeake and 
Ohio, Atlantic Coast Line, all great trunk lines, reach out into the far distant in- 
dustrial and agricultm-al fields, and pour their immense freights into foreign-boimd 
ships. 

The completion of the Tidewater railroad will add another to the same class, 
having enormous terminals on Hampton Roads, and duplications of the same on 
.the Great Lakes of the Northwest, and will be a great road for Norfolk. 



273 

Other raOroads of minor importance, two canals, and numerous steamboat lines, 
penetrating the interior waters, and serving coastwise trade, collectively make up 
an aggregate of transportation facilities, second only to New York. It may he a 
surprise to some to know that there are fully 26 lines of transportation, by rail and 
water, at Norfolk. 

The terminals of the great railways are located on one or the other side of Eliza- 
beth river, and all connected by a uniting belt line, while the Trans- Atlantic and 
Coast Steamship companies, have wharves on both sides of the river. Thus the 
commercial interests of Portsmouth and Berkeley are closely linked with Norfolk, 
and frequent ferryboats constantly plying between the three cities constitute a 
passenger and freight transit over the few hxmdred yards of intervening water, al- 
most as rapid as if by land. 

The wide-awake Board of Trade of Norfolk makes the following statement: 

"Nature has been lavish in the opportunities offered to make this section the 
great distributing point of expoi'ts and imports, for nowhere between the Gulf of 
St . Lawrence and the Gulf of Mexico is there located so commodious a harbor, such 
an abundance of anchoi'age ground, such splendid dockage facilities. No harbor 
upon the Atlantic coast is so near the great northwestern, central and southwestern 
manufacturing cities of St. Paul, Chicago, Cincinnati, Louisville, St. Louis and 
Kansas City and their contributing territory, and it is the natural outlet for their 
products and for the great grain-growing and cattle- raising districts. 

"Within twelve hours ride of 'Greater Norfolk are the agricultural and manu- 
facturing products of 21,000,000 of people, and within 24 hours ride there live and 
move and have their being and industrial life 39,000,000 people. 

"The concentration of railroads at Norfolk will make it the port for a vast com- 
merce, and just as the development of the West and middle West have built up 
New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore, so the development of the South and South- 
west will build up Greater Norfolk. 

' 'Connected by electric lines, ferries and railroads with all points on its shores, 
Hampton Roads becomes the larger harbor for Greater Norfolk and the cities of 
the Roads, Newport News, Hampton and Old Point, aggregating a total population 
of from 160,000 to 165,000. The outer harbor contains an anchorage ground 
of nearly 40,000 acres, with a depth of 50 feet; while the Elizabeth river and its 
branches form the inner harbor, with a depth of 30 feet and an area of about 
1,000 acres, while dredging to increase the depth is constantly going on." 

The remarkable facilities and results of the trucking business in Norfolk county 
having been already referred to in preceding pages of this work, it is pertinent, 
in referring to the subject, right here to state, that Norfolk city is the largest ship- 
ping point for "truck" or vegetables on the Atlantic coast. Railroad trains and 
steamships of large capacity, making daily and nightly trips, are taxed to their 
utmost — as stated in a leaflet of a reliable Norfolk real estate firm — to convey the 
products of the fields for ten miles around Norfolk to the Northern and Western 
cities, which largely depend in season on Norfolk for their supply of "green stuff," 
the aggregate of which is, in returns, not less than $7,500,000 annually; and every 
available hand — man, woman and child — is pressed into service to cultivate, gather 
and ship this large product. 

The conditions of climate and soil in this vicinity, where the usual rigor of 
winter is tempered by the Gulf Stream, are such that trucks are shipped from this 
market every month of the year, as many as four crops being often raised on the 
same ground annually. Large capital is required in producing and handling this 
immense business, and all branches of trade, and every citizen of Norfolk share 
more or less directly or indirectly in the results. 

Norfolk has just annexed a new ward, having about 8,000 people, and active 
movements are now being made to add two others from the immediate suburbs. 
This new territory contains about 15,000 inhabitants. When this is arranged, 
Norfolk will have 88,000 people. Experience shows that new wards increase 25 
per cent, each year. 

In 1874 the population of Norfolk was less than it was prior to 1855. In 1881 
Norfolk had 22,000 people. In 1900 it had increased to 46,624. The U. S. esti- 
mate in 1904 gave 56,662; today it has little short of 65,000. The county of Nor- 



275 

folk, embracing Norfolk, Portsmouth and all the smaller towns, aggregate at least 

The mortality rate of the city, for many years, had averaged 34 to the 1,000; to- 
day it is 18.60 as the result of improved sewers, drainage, etc. 

The manufactories of Norfolk have increased steadily and largely during the 
last ten years, but the advance since the year 1900 has far surpassed the anticipa- 
tions of the most sangume citizens, more than 200 per cent, in that time. Thus 
thousands of operatives, business officers, clerks, etc., have largely swelled the 
population. 

The census of 1900 gave 4,700 as the number of operatives at work in the indus- 
tries of the cities, situated in Norfolk county, whereas 1,519 were employed in the 
whole county in 1880. Today over 20,000 are paid at least $5,200,000 in annual 
wages m all the factories of Norfolk county. Two new extensive plants to work 
1,500 hands are being built. 

• "^^^ Norfolk navy yard, located in Portsmouth, works an average of 2,000 men 
in shipbuilding and repairing, and had last year a pay roll of $1,659,214. The 
largest winery in the country is here, the largest creosoting plant and the largest 
oyster packing plant. Over 600,000 bushels of oysters are handled annually re- 
quirmg the services of more than 6,000 persons. This is the second fish port in' the 
United States. One tobacco stemmery employs 700 operators. The knitting in- 
dustry employs 1,200 hands. One box factory cuts 150,000 feet of lumber daily 
i his IS the fourth cotton port of the country, having exported last year 36,400 bales 
the annual business amounting to more than $24,000,000. 

It is reasonable to infer that where there is such a volume of business, provision 
would be made for the traveling public. This has been most effectively done, and 
no city of Its size can boast of better hotels, some of them large and elegant while 
there are scores of less pretentious ones, and many superior boarding houses' capa- 
ble of meeting all such demands upon the city. It is hardly necessary, in referring 
to a large and progressive city, to notice the electric transit system; but it may be 
stated that it is modem m every particular, and supplied to every settlement and 
seaside resort withm 19 miles, including such popular places as Virgmia Beach 
Ocean View, Cape Henry, Willoughby Spit, and the rapidly growing site of the 
recent Jamestown Exposition Company. 

The public schools of Norfolk are widely known for their good management and 
efficiency. The High School is the pride of the city, and enjoys a reputation sur- 
passed by none of its class, and there are excellent private schools and academies 
male and female of long standing. Perhaps no city in Virginia is so well supplied 
with churches, there bemg seventy-four in all— forty-seven white and twenty-seven 
colored. Of the white there are thirteen Methodist, eight Presbyterian eight 
Baptist, SIX Episcopal, three Jewish, three Catholic, two Christian, one Lutheran 
one Disciple, one Christadelphian, and one Christian Scientist; colored, thirteen 
Baptist, nine Methodist, two Chi-istian, one Episcopal, one Unitarian. 

Four modern hospitals supplement the splendid Marine Hospital of the Govern- 
mMit._ So great has become the reputation of these resorts for the relief of the 
suffermg, that patients from all parts of the country patronize them. 
There are also eight or nine asylums of different kinds. 

The Carnegie Library, but lately finished, fills the full measure of the public's 
desires in that line. 



PETERSBURG. 

Petersburg, situated in the county of Dinwiddle, founded in 1733, and incorpo- 
rated in 1784, was named for Peter Jones, its founder. It is very favorably and de- 
lightfully situated at the head of navigation on the Appomattox river 12 miles 
southwest of Its confluence with the James at City Point, 22 miles south from Rich- 
mond; 81 miles northwest from Norfolk; 63 miles north from Weldon N C and 
138 miles south from Washington City. The city proper is in Dinwiddle county 
though It has populous suburbs extending into two other counties (Blandford in 
Prmce George and Pocahontas in Chesterfield). 



276 

It is an active, thriving place, well supplied with all modern conveniences and 
improvements. The streets are well paved with vitrified brick and sheet asphalt, 
a large amount having been recently expended in this line of improvement. The 
city is lighted by gas and electricity, and owns its own water works, which furnish 
an abundant supply of fine water from springs and rivulets in the neighborhood, 
carefully protected by law. 

The commercial bodies are the Chamber of Commerce and Yoimg Men's Busi- 
ness Association^ the Petersburg Club, the Bicycle Club, and the Appomattox Boat 
Club, the latter being the eldest of its kind in the State, and noted for its 
hospitality. 

All the religious denominations are represented in Petersburg, and many stately 
and beautiful edifices adorn its streets. The combined membership of the churches 
aggregate over one-half of the city's population. There are several fine libraries 
which are largely patronized. The Masons, Odd Fellows and Red Men own fine 
properties. 

The educational advantages of the city are of the highest order. The muni- 
cipality sets aside $24,000 annually for the use of the School Board. The public 
schools are admirably managed, with abundant accommodations for the entire 
school population. The races, of course, are educated separately. There is a high 
school for the blacks as well as the whites. The colored youth of the State of both 
sexes have the additional advantages of the Virginia Normal and Industrial Insti- 
tute, a State institution founded in 1882 and erected at a cost of $1£0,000, for the 
higher education of the colored youth of the State, with special reference to the 
training of teachers. This institution has 485 students. State annuity $15,000. 

There are 11 private schools and academies of high grade, which prepare young 
men and women for college. One of these, the Southern Female College, was 
founded long anterior to the war, and is one of the best female colleges in the South. 
It has 150 students, an able staft' of instructors and thorough course of study. An- 
other high grade school is the Petersburg Academy, principals Hall and Arrington, 
the successor to the University School of Capt. W. Gordon McCabe. St. Joseph's 
School is conducted by the Sisters of Charity. It has a large patronage. The 
Central State Hospital for colored insane is located in the suburbs of the city. 

Petersburg has three very prosperous banks, doing a large business, with stock 
far above par, and paying handsome dividends. The city -has excellent telephone 
service and ten miles of street railway, thoroughly equipped, and car shed costing 
$30,000. A great deal of attention has been given in recent years to local improve- 
ments. Numerous new buildings have been erected, and a marked change has 
been wrought in the appearance of the city. It has two beautiful parks, abundantly 
supplied with pure water, and adorned with lakes, flowers, and beautiful shade 
trees. The National Government has two large cemeteries near Petersburg, where 
rest the remains of some 12,000 or 15,000 soldiers of the Union Army who fell around 
the city. One of these is in this county and the other at City Point. In Bland- 
ford cemetery, in this city, are gathered the remains of about 15,000 Confederate 
soldiers, whose graves are tenderly cared for by the Ladies' Memorial Association. 

Petersburg is not only an active business place, but a beautiful and delightful resi- 
dential city. On many streets are statelj^ mansions that would attract attention 
anyAvhere. There are no gambling dens, Sunday law is strictly enforced, and it 
enjoys the reputation of being a quiet and orderly community. Though the ne- 
groes constitute about one-half of the population, they are as a class industrious, 
peaceable and steadily employed, and many of them have accumulated property. 

The transportation facilities of Petersburg are extensive, furnishing communi- 
cation by rail and water with all parts of the country. It is especially important 
as a railroad center, being the junction point of three great trunk line railroads — 
the Seaboard Air Line railway, the Atlantic Ccast Line, and the Norfolk and Western. 

The Seabcard Air Line has through service from New York to Tampa and Atlan- 
ta, opening up a system err bracing 3,000 miles if track. The j^tlantic Ccast Line 
passes akng the berder tf the countj^ fcr ten miles, and is a ncith and south line, 
connecting the great Pennsylvania sj^stem cf the north with the Plant system of 
the south, forming a through route to Florida. This read has large depot buildings 
and machine shops^in the city. The Norfolk and Western passes through the nor- 



M77 

thern portion of the county for a distance of 30 miles, and is an east and west line, 
beginning at Norfolk, passing thi'ough Petersburg, Southside, Southwest Virginia 
and West Virginia to Columbus, Ohio. It has handsome depot buildings and large 
machine shops in the city, and a branch road to City Point, on the James. 

In addition to these transportation facilities, Petersburg has a profitable com- 
merce by navigation, by canal and river, for 80 miles west of the city, and by the 
Appomattox and James rivers eastward to the sea. The tonnage of this port is 
200,000 tons annually, and value of freight $1,500,000. Petersburg offers very 
superior advantages for productive industries in its excellent facilities for trans- 
portation, cheap and desirable sites, and especially in the extraordinary resources 
of its available water power — not one-half of which is utilized. This power is 
furnished by the Appomattox river and by canals within and without the city for 
a distance of many miles. 

Two large granite quarries are operated near the city, and the product is being 
used by the Government in the erection of sea walls ; it is also largely in demand 
for street paving, building purposes, and for monuments and tombs. 

Petersburg has an extensive lumber business, owing to the large quantities of 
fine timber in this and the adjacent counties of Brunswick and Mecklenburg. 

Petersburg is a notable manufacturing center. Statistics of the city's business 
interests and progress, give the number of manufacturing establishments as 290: 
persons employed 6,000; wages paid annually $1,750,000; value of material used 
$5,500,000, product $11,000,000, and indications of constant, and substantial in- 
crease from year to year. The most important lines of manufacture are those of 
tobacco, cotton and peanuts, with many others following close in point of magni- 
tude and value. Petersbm-g is one of the oldest tobacco markets in the State, be- 
ginning its history as such in the colonial days. The section contiguous, embracing 
the coimties of Dinwiddle, Brunswick, Amelia, Lunenburg, Prince Edward, Char- 
lotte, Mecklenburg, etc., is famous for the quality and flavor of its tobacco, and for 
export purposes it is very superior. It has the largest export tobacco manufac- 
tories in the United States, producing 8,000,000 poimds (valued at $1,700,000) of 
the total 10,000,000 pounds of plug tobacco exported from the United States . There 
are also several large factories devoted exclusively to the manufacture of tobacco 
for the domestic trade. The capacity of the warehouses of the city is about 12,000 
hogsheads, and the total number of persons employed in all branches of the tobacco 
trade is about 3,500, whose wages aggregate $550,000. 

The cotton manuf actm'ing business is also one of the most important industries of 
the city. There are located here five large cotton factories in active operation, run- 
ning on full time, and using the greater part of the 10,000 bales received in the city, 
a large portion of which is of Virginia growth, received from the adjacent counties. 
Osnaburgs, sheetings, duck and yarns are the principal varieties of goods manu- 
factured, much of which is exported to China, Central America and other points. 

The capital employed in these mills is about $600,000; hands employed 750; 
number of spindles 30,000; looms 590; manufacturing annually 11,000,000 yards 
of cloth and 100,000 pounds j^arn, and sewing thread. The annual value of the 
product exceeds $700,000. 

Petersburg also claims pre-eminence in the peanut trade of the country, and domi- 
nates to a considerable extent the markets in this commodity. The peanut fields 
begin almast at the city line, stretching away through the rich belt of counties to 
the east, and south down through the Carolinas. Estimates place the Virginia 
crop at 650,000 sacks of four bushels each. 

A large quantity of these nuts are handled in Petersburg, where there are five 
large factories, in which the uncleaned nuts are cleaned, assorted, pjlished and 
sometimes shelled for the markets of the country. The capital invested in these 
plants is about $100,000; hands employed 300; annual wages paid $60,000; an- 
nual output 1,800,000 bushels; value of output $2,500,000, and independent 
commission dealings $300,000. 

Another extensive industry is the manufacture of trunks and valises. Four 
immense factories are engaged in this business, one of them the largest in the world, 
representing alone an investment of over $100,000, and giving employment to 300 
or 400 hands, consuming 2,000,000 feet of lumber annually, turning out 150,000 



278 

trunks, and 12,000 dozen hand bags and valises and covers, and sending their 
products to nearly every city and town in the Union, and to Central America, and 
West Indies. The daily output of aU these factories is 1,200 trunks and 1,£00 trav- 
eling bags. Petersburg is well supplied with corn meal and flour mills, whose out- 
put is widely distributed through Virginia and the Carolinas. Of these there are 
four com mills with an output of 1,000,000 bushels of meal; and one flour mill 
producing 40,000 barrels of flour annually. 

Silk mills of l^rge capacity and output is another industry of importance, employ- 
ing about 500 hands. The bark, simaac and extract works located here give em- 
ployment to hundreds of people in town and county, and have a product of five 
or six thousand tons of ground bark, and 6,000,000 pounds of ground sumac leaves. 
The manufacture of fruit baskets and crates is a large enterprise, in which are uti- 
lized 1,000 cords of poplar and gum logs, and over 1,000,000 feet of sawed lumber 
annually. 

Among the new industries in the city is a ship yard, not only building vessels, 
but making the engines, boilers, etc. There are four foimdries and machine shops, 
running on full time, and turning out the highest grade of work. 

It will be a siu-prise to many to learn that in Petersburg was made much of the 
shot and shell used in the Spanish War, including some of the largest and most de- 
structive projectiles. There are also extensive fireworks factories doing a very 
large business. The lumber shipped, aggregating 50,000,000 feet per year, is val- 
ued at $400,000. There are four planing mills in the city, doing a business of about 
$250,000, one barrel-head factory, and two large ice factories, with a daily capacity 
of forty tons. 

Many other manufacturing enterprises of less magnitude might be cited. Promi- 
nent among these is a fertilizer factory, which unloads from 100 to 150 vessels per 
year, its capacity being 20,000 tons; a pants factory, which turns out 3,000 pairs a 
week; a hosiery factory; and a number of others for the manufacture of clothing, 
bags, hats, soap, candles, candy, snuff, canned goods, cigars, harness, paper boxes, 
and wagons. The estimate of the city's jobbing business, combined with such re- 
tailings as cannot be separated from it, is about the equivalent of its manufactures, 
$11,000,000— both together $22,000,000— to which add $5,000,000 for real estate, 
banking, railroad and shipping and other miscellaneous lines, and sums up $27,000,- 
000. The principal jobbing lines are groceries and provisions, dry goods, clothing, 
boots and shoes, this line alone amoimting to more than $1,500,000. 

Its building improvements will reach $300,000 a year, such investments realiz- 
ing from eight to ten per cent., and the average annual increase in all branches of 
trade and manufacture in the city for the past few years has been fully twenty per 
cent., making it necessary with the jobbing houses to materially inctease their 
traveling force. The business of the three banks has also kept pace with the grow- 
ing business of the city, showing a general increase of twenty per cent, over pre- 
vious years. The bonded debt of the city is $1,261,000, which was incm-red in aid 
of public improvements, especially of railroads. The taxable values of the city, 
real and personal, are about $10,000,000, and the rate of taxation $1.60 per $100 
of value for the city, and 40 cents for the State. The annual income of the city 
from all sources is about $225,000, and the annual regular expenditures about $213,- 
000. 

Rich as Petersburg is in other respects it is no less so in historical interest. Splen- 
did old colonial sites made historic, as the homes of patriots in the dark days pre- 
ceding and following the birth of the nation, dot the siuToimding coimtry. To 
come nearer to the present, is the memory of the long and weary siege of 1864-5, 
through which the devoted city passed ; every day and every night , shot and shell from 
the Federal guns sweeping the town almost from end to end — a large portion of the 
city practically deserted, and danger Im-king on every hand, with houses ruined, 
property destroyed, and starvation almost in sight; but notwithstanding it aU, 
the people were brave and patient and ready to sacrifice everything for the sake 
of honor, and their beloved South. The end came in 1865, and found the trade of 
the city practically destroyed, capital gone, and the people almost in poverty. 
But with that brave, hopeful and energetic spirit characteristic of them, she began 



279 

to build anew, and very soon the Cockade City stood forth, herself again, and is to- 
day making great strides in the race of progress. 

Population of city, census of 1900, 21,810. Number of males 21 years and over 
5,425. 



PORTSMOUTH. 

Portsmouth is located inTSTorfolk cormty, just across the river from Norfolk city. 

The new Portsmouth of to-day is the vantage ground for industrial pursuits, be- 
ing the result of the many advantages possessed by this section. From a rail and 
water standpoint it is imexcelled for manufacturing purposes in nearly every line, 
due in a large measure to the inception and construction of the Portsmouth Belt 
Line railroad, an iron link of five miles connecting nine great radiating rail systems, 
besides innumerable subsidiary lines to points in the sounds of North Carolina and 
estuaries of the Chesapeake bay, James, York and Nansemond rivers. These lines 
connect daily, tri-weekly and weekly with the leading markets of the country. 
The great rail systems, centering here, jointly own the Portsmouth Belt Line, and 
the especially attractive advantage to industries, seeking locations, is the fact 
that Portsmouth rates are applied to all carload freights shipped to and from 
industries reached by its tracks. 

Portsmouth is also particularly favored from the standpoint of water freights, 
enjoying as it does low rates from the West, South and Southwest. 

Steam coal from the coal fields is abundant, reaching the city direct from the 
mines via the Norfolk and Western and Chesapeake and Ohio railways. Pocahon- 
tas coal, considered the best for steaming purposes, sells for $2.65 per net ton, at 
times as low as $2.35 per gross ton, while great quantities of George's Creek coal, 
preferred by some, is also used. The manufacturing institutions are particularly 
blessed by being in such close proximity to two of the country's greatest coal dis- 
tributing depots — the world famous Pocahontas coal piers and Chesapeake and 
Ohio coal piers. 

Skilled labor has been sufficient to meet all requirements thus far, but the intro- 
duction of new industries opens up new fields of employment, and experience teaches 
that labor will seek the opportvmity to work where all living conditions are fa- 
vorable to the wage earner. The markets are abimdantly supplied with vegetables, 
fruits, meats, fish and oysters, and the prices are so reasonable as to make the cost 
of living much cheaper than in less favored sections. It is said of the city "a man 
is poor indeed who wants for a sufficiency of good nutritious food at any season of 
the year, " while rentals are very moderate, ranging from $5.00 to $25.00 per month 
according to location of residence. 

The public free school system of this city is unsurpassed, being modern and up- 
to-date, with a large corps of experienced teachers, while the opportunities for re- 
ligious training are equal to the best. There are 49 churches of different denomi- 
nations. 

The garden spot of the countiy is at the very doors of the city, and from the prod- 
ucts of these lands, many fortunes have been made, raising early vegetables, ber- 
ries, and fruits, which are shipped in large quantities to New York, Boston, Balti- 
more, Washington and the Western cities; this section having the advantage of at 
least two weeks in point of early shipments over the raisers of similar garden prod- 
ucts in Maryland and Delaware. It is estimated that the returns from this source 
for this part of the State will average $7,000,000 annually. The famous oyster 
beds of this section of the country are located in this vicinity, from whence they are 
shipped to all points of the compass in great quantities and form no small item of rev- 
enue. Hundreds are employed in this calling, and thousands of dollars are paid 
out annually to those engaged in catching, shucking and shipping them. 

One of the most infallible straws that show which way the wind of commerce 
blows is reflected in the prosperity of the banks. There has been a steady increase 
in the growth of deposits and a commensurate increase in the earnings and surplus 
of these institutions during the past year, which is the best indication of the pros- 
perity of their customers. Two new banks have been established in the past two 
years. The mean annual temperature of the city is 59.5; the mean for spring 



281 



being 65 . 6; summer 75 . 6; autumn 51 . 6 and winter 43 . 3. It is stated that Venice 
has a mean annual temperature of 56.7. The Gulf Stream runs nearer the shore 
oil Cape Renry than at any other point on the Atlantic coast. 

The population of the city has increased in the past eight years nearly sixty per 
cent., which will be fully established by the next U. S. census, while as an indiis- 
trial center the increase has been sixty-five per cent, for the same period 



RADFORD. 



The pretty little city of Radford enjoys the distinction of being hio-her above 
tidewater than any other city in Virginia, having an altitude of 1,810 feet, one hun- 
dred feet higher even than Bristol, and is situated on the natural and extensive 
terraces, which rise fi'om New river, and located at the junction of the New river 
branch of the Norfolk and Western railroad with its main line, in the midst of a 
fertile grazing section of country. It has an ideal location, with its twin city East 
Kadtord, with which it is connected by an extensive trolley line and a well-^r-aded 
central street They form a busy, prosperous community, with a combination of in- 
terests helptul to both, and constitute the largest place in the fine county of Mont- 
gomery. The climate is all that could be desired. As an illustration of its health- 
tuhiess It IS stated that, m seven years with an average of 700 in the public schools 
not a death has occurred and there has not been a seriously sick boy at the large 
bt. Albans School since it was founded eleven years ago. 

Radford has ten churches, five public schools, a University preparatory school 
tor boys, electric lights, and street railway, two ice plants, abundant water sup- 
ply, a tertile, surroundmg country, unequaled scenery and exquisite sunsets. It is 
near the Mountain Lake," "Crockett's," "Carper's Lithia" and other celebrated 
• ^P™|^' *° ^^>^^ points, short and pleasant trips can be made. In fact it is 
in the heart of the beautiful blue grass region of Virginia, which has been a camp- 
ing ground tor health for quite a hundred years . 

There are two post offices, Radford and East Radford, a school population be- 
tween the years of eight and twenty of 973, and a total population at the present 

i^^on ^'''' ' ^ ^°"^- ^^® ^^°^"^ °* I'^OO showed 3,344, an increase since 1890 
Or 1^4^o(J. 

This city has surrounding it, a good farming and grazing section, while the tim- 
ber and mineral fields still aflord good opportunities to capital. Here are found a 
fine system of public schools, Belle Heth Academy in the eastward and Wadsworth 
btreet bchool, m the westward. The special joint commission appointed by the 
General Assembly of Vii^inia for the purpose of selecting a site to establish a new 
btate J^ emale Normal School with industrial training upon theii- last recorded note 
to the Legislature recommended Radford, unanimously, as the best location for the 
school in southwest Virginia. Eleven churches representing all the principal denomi- 
nations, a telephone exchange, telegraph office. Southern Express, one weekly news- 
paper, two large and modern hotels, electric lighting stations for both commercial 
and municipal purposes, good sewerage system, fire department, electric cars, three 
banks with deposits of nearly one million dollars, are here. There are nearly 100 
retail establishments and wholesale jobbing houses, one of the largest cast-iron pipe 
foundries m the South, two roller flouring mills, veneering plant, hickory wood- 
working plant, blast furnace, sand, lime, brick works, two lumber yards, railroad 
shops and roundhouse, candy factory, two ice plants, cold storage plant, and bot- 
tling works. At this point are two fine new iron bridges across New river and an- 
other one in contemplation, into Pulaski county, and many other improvements 
Ihere also is water at this pomt awaiting development, estimated at 150,000 horse 
power. 1 he city maintains a Board of Trade with over one hundred members 

Ihe past few years have been marked by a steady increase of business in Rad- 
ford and considerable activity in building. Several large brick business blocks 
have been erected at a cost of several thousand dollars. The building of The 
Radford Milling Co., and the enlargement of the iron furnace by the Virginia 
Iron and Coal Co., tend to show great activity along commercial lines 



282 

Radford was chosen as the site for the new Tidewater Hospital, because of its 
central position as a railroad town; and the $20,000 hostelry, La Belle Inn, will be 
transformed into a high-class and thoroughly modern hospital, capable of accommo- 
dating 200 patients. 

The New River Sandstone and Brick Company has had a prosperous year, their 
business being twice as great as the preceding year. 

The Pipe Works have done the largest business in years. One million dollars' 
worth of pipe and castings was shipped diu-ing the last year. 

Every business concern, including the mercantile firms and hotels, report a pros- 
perous year, and the outlook for 1909 is even brighter. 



RICHMOND. 

Richmond, the capital of the Old Dominion, though by no means the largest, is 
yet perhaps the most widely known city in the Union. It has been historic since 
the days of its origin, when King Powhatan held his Indian court on one of its high- 
est hills, to more recent years, when, as the capital of the Southern Confederacy, the 
contending armies of the North and South, led by the two greatest generals of the 
greatest conflict of modem times, one fighting to hold, the other to win it, fixed the 
attention and admiration of the waiting world; while inside the fortifications and 
outside the lines of the devoted city, men from every State and territory of this 
great country and from almost every foreign land, joined in the combat. Since, 
then, their sons and their grandsons have watched the rebuilding of the famous 
city and seen it rise upon its debris, an hundred times more glorious; have seen it 
extend its lines again and again, till the city and its immediate suburbs embrace 
a population of 125,000 souls, and the smoke of hundreds of factories float above it; 
while the clatter of six great railways, as eighty passenger trains, daily, come and 
go, sound the notes of business, and the bustle of a thousand great stores and lesser 
shops keep busy throngs of people moving along its well-paved streets, and side- 
walks. 

The elevation of Richmond above the sea level is 96 feet, and she sits, not like 
old Rome on her seven hills, but on a dozen of them, rising from the north bank of 
the James river, ninety miles from the seacoast, affording sites for scores of fine 
and costly monmnents and heroic figures of Tier and Virginia's illustrious statesmen 
and jurists, and famous soldiers, which proclaim in enduring bronze and marble 
her noble history and the admiration and liberality of her aSluent citizens. Rich- 
mond is pre-eminently the monument city of the South and will rank with any in 
the North. It was foimded by Colonel WiUiam Byrd in 1737. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

The educational advantages of the city are such that the people may well take 
a just pride in them. There are twenty large school buildings, of which eight are 
for colored children. The total enrollment was 11,666 February 1, 1906, of which 
4,184 are colored. In addition are departments for manual training and kindergar- 
ten. The standard of scholarship in the public and in the niunerous private schools 
of the city is of the highest. 

A new high school for white children wiU be erected this year at a cost of $300,000. 

Richmond has two medical colleges, which have no equals south of Baltimore — 
the Medical College of Virginia and the University College of Medicine. The lead- 
ing Theological Seminary of the Sauthern Presbyterian Church is also here. 

Richmond College is one of the oldest and best institutions of learning in the 
South, under the auspices of the Baptist Church. 

One of the best Colored Theological Seminaries in the South is located here, and 
well equipped and taught. 



Member- 


- Contribu- 


Sunday- 


Pupils 


is ship. 


tions 


Schools 




9,148 


$ 88,056.78 


571 


6,465 


2,137 


18,799.62 


127 


1,046 


4,954 


122,097.50 


379 


3,244 


6,907 


91,931.99 


523 


4,608 


3,095 


44,869.73 


197 


2, COB 


894 


6,167.70 


37 


337 


325 


(families) . .- 


14 


163 


50 


900.00 


5 


15 


200 




12 
5 


125 


30 


300 .00 


20 


50 


600.00 


5 


18 


28, 190 


$371,940.12 


1,875 


18, 049 



283 

The claim of Richmond to the title of "The City of Churches," of which every 
denomination is represented, is justified by the following statement as furnished by 
Mr. E. G. Leigh, President of Chamber of Commerce, January 1, 1906. 

No. of 
Churches 

Baptist 16 

Christian 5 

Episcopal 14 

Methodist 15 

Presbyterian 8 

Lutheran 4 

Jewish 2 

Unitarian 1 

Apostolic 1 

Life and Advent Mission 1 

Christian Science 1 

Total 68 

This statement does not include the Catholic chiu-ches, which were not presented, 
or the colored chiu-ches, many of which did not report and are estimated as fol- 
lows : twenty-six churches, of which there are twenty Baptist, five Methodist and 
one Presbyterian, making a total estimated membership of 18,000; contributions 
$31,250, and Sunday-schoolpupils 4,000. 

Adding the statistics of the colored chmxhes to the white, and leaving out the 
Catholic, the following estimated figiu-es will be reached: Number of churches, 96; 
total membership, 46,190; total contributions, $403,190.12, and total number of 
Sunday-school pupils, 22,049. These data show a decided increase along the lines 
of membership, contributions and Simday-school attendance, as compared with 
the figures of 1904, given as follows. Church membership, 45,559; contributions, 
$369,863, and Sunday-school attendance 21,266. 

The new Catholic Cathedral, just completed at a cost of about half a million dol- 
lars, is handsome and capacious, and one of the finest church structures in the South. 

It is doubtful if any city in the country is better supplied with accommodation 
for the sick and afflicted in the way of hospitals, surgeons and attendants, as there 
are no less than eight hospitals in Richmond, furnished with equipments the equal 
of any in the United States, two of which are for colored people. 

HOTELS. 

The hotel accommodations are very superior, there being three or iour large and 
handsome hotels and a number of smaller and well kept hostelries, which accom- 
modate well the large and constantly increasing travel, and winter visitors attracted 
to the city by its mild climate and accessibility to every section of the State and 
country, being immediately upon the line of the immense travel between the northern 
and southern cities. Popular and well equipped boarding houses by the himdred 
are also to be foimd in every quarter of the city, affording suitable temporary 
homes to every class of citizens. These facilities have given Richmond a reputation 
far and wide as a convention city. This reputation has been largely due to the 
Jefferson Hotel, one of the largest, handsomest and best equipped in the cotmtry, 
which was partially destroyed by fire several years ago, but is now restored on a 
larger and grander scale than ever before. 

POST OFFICE. 

The great increase in the Richmond post office is a positive index to the business 
development of the city. The receipts for 1905 amounted to $434,943.34, exceed- 
ing those of the preceding year by $50,779.77, over 13 per cent. The sale of post- 
age stamps, envelopes and postal cards amoimted to $62,167.79, the sale of special 
request envelopes ta $42,596.92, and newspaper and periodical postage to $18,945.21 

The amount of domestic orders issued was $228,804, paid $923,897. A total of 
53,571 letters and parcels were handled in the registry division. Nearly 175,000 
pouches and sacks were received and over 220,000 were dispatched, and a grand 
total of 49,095,481 pieces of mail were handled. 



285 



MANUFACTURES. 

_^ A remarkable exhibit of the manufactures of Richmond is made in the United 
btates census report of 1905, covering the five previous years' operations from 1900 
It shows that m that time the vahie of products, inckiding custom work and re- 
pairmg, had mcreased 28.2 per cent., from $23,048,353 to -129 536 499- cost of 
material used 38.1 per cent., from $10,375,140 to $14,329,541; wages 14 8 per cent 
from $3,973,704 to $4,561,946; capital invested 100 per cent., from $16 203 927 to 
$32,402,847 It is very unusual for any large city to double, in five years, its cap- 
ital invested in manufactm-ing enterprises. 

In a work of this character, treating of a great manufacturing city, numbering 
282 plants, it is impossible to name them all. Only a few of the largest industries 
c^n be given, as conveying some idea of the size and importance of them- such as 
the Richmond branch of the American Locomotive Works, which employs 2 700 
men with a monthly pay roll of $125,000; the Richmond Cedar Works the largest 
m the world 800 employees, with a monthly pay roll of $28,000; and the various 
Richmond plants of the American Tobacco Company and the American Cigar Com- 
pany, having about 5,300 employees, with a monthly pay roll of $130 000 

A very mterestmg statement, however, compiled by Mr. J. H. Whitty, classifying 
the varied products of Richmond's factories, with number of employees amount 
of capital and annual sales, is given here: ' 



Class, Article or Kind 

Beer, mineral waters, ice 

Blacksmiths, wheelwrights ' 

Boots and shoes 

Boxes, barrels, cooperage, paper, twine, 
tags, bags 

Bakers, yeast powder, spice mill, blueing... 

Bricks, tile, marble, mantels, stone, glass. . 

Carpenters, contractors, builders 

Carriages, wagons, carts 

Clothing, men's, merchant tailors, shirts. '. . 

Clothing, women's, dressmaking, millinery. . 

Confectionery 

Dyeing and cleaning 

Drugs, medicines, perfumery, meat juice... 

Electrical, typewriters, locksmiths, wire- 
makers, bicycles, type 

Fertilizers, chemicals, cement, lime, grease 
tallow 

Flour, corn, meal, pickles, flavoring. . . ... ' '. 

Foundry, machine shops, agricultural imple- 
ments 

Furniture, mattresses, cabinet making, up- 
holstery, picture frames 

Jewelers, hair workers 

Ltmiber, sash, doors, blinds . 

Packers, curers, butchers, soap 

Painters, house and sign, varnish, paper 
hanging 

Plimibing and gas fitting, tin and copper- 
smith, sheet iron 

Printing and publishing, book and job, book 
binding, blank-books, lithography, en- 
graving 

Saddlery, harness, hides, leather 

Tobacco, cigars, cigarettes, cheroots 

Tobacco, smoking, chewing, stemming and 
reprizing 

Woodenware, willowware, trunks, brooms 
brushes 

Total 



No. of 

Plants 

14 

51 

164 

22 

35 

25 

169 

27 
72 
153 
122 
26 
77 



No. of 

Hands 

316 

287 

1,507 

1,931 

173 

1,201 

1,314 

2b2 

389 

316 

204 

42 

389 

337 

641 
322 



Capital in 

Business 

• 487, 500 

280, 762 

725, 130 

775, 000 
225, 100 
675,275 
537, 2t0 
293, 625 
350, 750 

95,250 
111,310 

29, 765 
720,250 

120,275 

5, 135, 750 
440, 125 



Annual 

Sales 

$ 1,952,162 

811,223 

2, 874, 480 

3,280,401 

1, 327, 114 

1,456,277 

2, 893, 488 

542, 809 

827, 634 

414,293 

467, 833 

51,080 

2, 000, 326 

551,400 

8,190,200 
968, 023 



36 7,839 4,550,260 9,081,800 



53 

34 

18 

123 

45 

67 



46 
20 
40 



389 
429 
321 

640 

135 
377 



325, 660 
110,200 
425, 100 
550,250 

32, 500 

275, 490 



637, 412 

370, 023 

1,299,300 

2,380,100 

137, 006 

851,230 



1, 



409 2,225,580 3,019,304 

126 265,515 381,770 

5,207 2,560,250 5,895,750 



25 4, 960 3, 775, 800 

14 1, 041 675, 275 

1,521 32,504 S 26,875,007 



13,506,209 

2, 032, 707 

$68,201,354 



It will be seen irom the above that Richmond must have a substantial claim to 
be the principal tobacco market m the country, as she has 65 tobacco concerns em- 
ploying 10,167 hands, $6,336,050 capital engaged in the business, with sales amount- 



287 



ing in 1905 to $19,401,959. The American Tobacco Company does an enormous 
business here; so do the nine independent companies which last fiscal year had an 
output of 10,556,380 pounds. 

RAILROADS. 

With the railroads the year has been one of imusual prosperity. Operating ex- 
penses have increased slightly, but the gross earnings have advanced entirely out 
of proportion to the larger expense item. Railroad stocks generally are booming. 
The Chesapeake and Ohio, Southern, Norfolk and Western, Atlantic Coast Line 
and Seaboard Air Line stocks are all selling high. Passenger traffic and the ton- 
nage handled have been greater than ever before. During the year 633,554 pas- 
sengers left Richmcnd and 532,341 arrived. The tormage forwarded from Rich- 
mond amoimted to 1,309,675,775 pounds, and that received to 2,664,701,922- 
pounds. Extensive improvements have been made by nearly all the roads, and are 
still being made. The new year, it is believed, will bring only greater prosperity to 
all the lines. 

RICHMOND RETAILITRADE. 

The retail business of the city has nearly doubled within the past five years. 
The stores in Richmond compare very favorably with the retail houses of much 
larger cities. 

Actual comparisons have proven that the department stores of Richmond, which 
are among the largest in the entire South, are equal in appointment and service to 
the leading stores of the North. The quality of merchandise demanded by the 
people of this city is equal to that of any city in the coimtry, and it is the center of 
a large mail order trade from the surroimding territory. 

BANKS AND FINANCES. 

In connection with what has been said regarding Richmond's manufactures and 
retail trade, it is pertinent to show the operations of her financial institutions, there 
being eighteen banks, a compilation of which is given below, furnished at the close 
of the year 1905 by Mr. W. M. Habliston, president of the National Bank of Vir- 
ginia. 

The deposits show an increase over 1904 of $2,540,112, increase of assets $3,018,- 
317, and of capital stock $106,275, with surplus and undivided profits an increase 
of $204,298. 

Bank Statement for March, 1906. 





Capital 


Surplus and 

Undivided 

Profits 


Loans 
and Deposits 
Discounts 


Total 
Re- 
sources 


First National Bank 

Planters National Bank.. 

National Bank of Va 

Merchants National 

American National 

State Bank of Va 

City Bank of Richmond.. 

Bank of Richmond 

Union Bank 


$ 600,000 
300, 000 
500, 000 
200,000 
400,000 
500,000 
400,000 
800, 000 
219, 750 


$ 645,916 35 

948,373 27 

229,544 30 

780,007 36 

123,392 52 

302,322 34 

163,828 44 

400,873 65 

340,845 37 

110,326 (2 

11,388 82 

46, 744 63 

17,933 08 

12,376 87 

121,996 22 


$ 5,350,351 47 $ 4,821,389 96 

4,275,473 12 4,273,548 t8 

2,556,298 13 2,959,258 71 

2,2o4,439 46 3,643,795 99 

2,239,089 35 3,046,903 82 

2,8(15,583 96 2,63.5,809 90 

1,402,122 03 1,291,913 03 

2,395,306 92! 2,352,742 58 

1,751,488 561 1,132,385 15 

1,450,495 70: 1,332,640 45 

176,817 39, 138,138 84 

790,257 20; 882,597 83 

352,133 36; 250,609 90 

321,501 50 314,536 23 

628,032 72 1 183,043 05 


1 7,342,336 14 

6,034,056 75 

4,301,946 69 

4,834,103 35 

4,002,347 70 

3,(2u,453 98 

1,855,941 47 

3,564,046 66 

2,193,121 52 

1,(03,133 07 

200,587 66 

1, 130, 584 28 

468,593 02 

376,953 10 

815,289 04 


Savings Bank of Richm'd 
Southern Interstate Bank 

Broad Street Bank 

Commerce and Trust 

Capital Savings 


160,000 

60,000 

200,000 

200,000 

48,280 
500,000 


Virginia Trust Co 


Totals 


$5,078,030 *^ "^^^ 871 S4 «9S S1Q qsn 7t;!«9Q ann iin ao 


$42,353,493 42 






' ' 


' J I'l*' J jrj \J 



The above figures speak for themselves and are worthy of careful study. They 
show that Richmond is holding its own as a banking center with the leading cities 
of the country, and, population considered, stands at the very head of the list 
among Southern cities. 



288 
The figures quoted are taken from the following comparative statement : 



ASSETS 

Nov. 10, 1904 Nov. 9, 1905 Increase. Decrease 

Loans and discounts $2.3, 032, 032 79 $26, 403, 891 28 S3, 271, 858 49 

United States and other bonds ... 6, 743, 370 44 6, 073, 659 55 $669, 710 89 

Banking houses and other real es- 
tate 750, 086 03 816, 973 50 66, 907 47 

Cash, and duQ from banks 8, 448, 873 59 8, 798, 135 99 349, 2.2 40 



Total assets $39,074,342 85 $42,092,660.32 *$3,018,317 47 



*Net increase. 

LIABILITIES 

Capital stock $5,071,754 75 $5,178,030 00 $106,275 25 

Surplus and undivided profits... . 4,018,605 63 4,222,904 41 204,298 78 

National bank notes outstanding . 1, 822, 400 00 1, 918, 400 00 96, 000 00 

Bond account 919,900 00 843,53125 .$76,368 75 

Bills payable and rediscounts 2,000 00 150,000 00 148,000 00 

Deposits 27,239,682 47 29,779,794 66 2,540,112 19 

$39,074,342 85 $42,092,660 32 



The only decrease in the statement is in bonds and stocks, which shows that the 
banks, to meet the commercial needs, have sold over $660,000 in bonds and stocks 
and loaned the money to their customers. 

The following table shows the remarkable growth in the last eight years : 

1897 1905 Increase 

United States deposits $ 181, 329 95 S 498, 247 97 $ 316, 918 02 

Bank deposits 937,505 07 7,700,18125 6,762,676 18 

Individual deposits , 8,745,072 46 21,581,365 44 12,836,292 98 



Total deposits 9, 863, 907 48 $29, 779, 794 66 $19, 915, 887 18 

1897 1905 

Total assets $16, 822, 354 04 -$42, 092, 660 32 $25, 270, 305 68 

There are also three prosperous banks, owned and controlled by colored citizens, 
which do a considerable local business among their own people. 

SUMMAEY OF BUSINESS. 

What has been said may be summarized as follows : 

Richmond has $27,000,000 invested in manufacturing plants. The sales in 1905 
were $70,000,000; an increase of more than seven million dollars over 1904. 

She has $10,500,000 invested in jobbing business. The sales in 1905 were $55,- 
000,000; an increase over 1904 of five million dollars. 

She stands fifth in the shoe markets of the world. 

Her bank clearings in 1907 were $322,442,413; deposits, Nov. 27, 1908, $33,509,- 
953. 

Her bank assets in 1905 were $42,000,000; in 1897 they were $17,000,000; a gain 
in eight years of about 250 per cent. 
, Her post office receipts in 1905 were $435,000; a gain of 14 per cent, over 1904. 

THE NEWSPAPERS. 

Richmond has three dailies — a morning and two evening papers. The first, the 
Times-Dispatch, daily, with a large circulation covering two thirds of the State, and 
the oldest in the city, owns its own handsome five-story building. TTie News-Leader 
is an afternoon paper with a circulation of about 28,000, and is published every day 
but Sunday. It also owns a fine new three-story building. The Evening Journal 
is also an afternoon paper just one year old, and has a circulation of 16,500 net. 



289 

They are all excellent journals, none better printed and edited or more devoted to 
the local interest of their city, of which they are invaluable exponents. 

The reader will observe that the above write-up of Richmond embraces the 
years of 1905-08. Since which time there have been great developments along 
all lines. The growth and advancement has been substantial and healthy. The 
panic of 1907 which caused so much loss and so many failures elsewhere which 
necessitated the issuance of scrip by so many banks throughout the country was 
not thought of here nor were there any bank failui'es or other failures I'eported. 



ROANOKE. 

The city of Roanoke, situated on the great thi'ough line of the Norfolk and Wes- 
tern railroad, one hundred and ninety-nine miles by rail west from Richmond, is 
the chief city of southwest Virginia. It is in the county of Roanoke, 907 feet above 
sea level, and being at the head of the Valley of Virginia has a good claim to be the 
gateway and the leading city of both these great natural divisions of Virginia. It 
is convenient by I'ail to both sections, the main line of the Norfolk and Western 
running through the southwest 151 miles to Bristol, Va., and north 239 miles 
through the Valley to the Potomac, thus reaching all the cities and larger towns of 
both, with which it maintains large and profitable business relations. The Nor- 
folk and Western also places the city in direct communication with Lynchburg, 53 
miles east, and Norfolk 257 miles; while another branch of the same tiiink line 
carries Roanoke's business south through the State to Winston-Salem, N. C, and 
southern points. The new Tidewater railroad now building from Deep Water, W. 
Va., to Norfolk, passes through Roanoke, and furnishes the "Magic City," as it is 
called, another great railroad from Chesapeake bay to the Ohio river. It is a mod- 
ern, up-to-date, well-paved, well-watered city, possessing all the conveniences to be 
fui'riished by electricity and water power. 

Its twenty-seven churches embrace every leading religious denomination, and 
have handsome and commodious houses of worship. There are also handsome 
city and I'ailroad Y. M. C. A. buildings, an orphan asjdum, and a home for the 
sick. The educational advantages of Roanoke (in character and extent) are not 
surpassed by any other town of its size in the State, attracting large patronage from 
other sections. Besides its splendid public school system, supplied with six hand- 
some and commodious school buildings and equipped with every modern appliance, 
tnere is the Virginia College, a flourishing female institution: the Business College, 
and other schools of a private character. The new Park Street School, which has 
been built within the past two years, affords facilities for about five hundred pupils. 
This School was erected at a cost of $35,000.00. 

The Roanoke Stamping and Enameling Works, with a capital of $50,000.00; a 
stave and barrel factory, with a capital of $8,000.00, and the Acme Match Company, 
which is now under construction, has a capital stock of $100,000.00. These have 
all been erected within the last two years. 

The enterprise, culture, educational and social advantages of Roanoke render it a 
most desirable and attractive residential town; and as a commercial metropolis it 
ratiks with the best of the inland towns of the State. Roanoke has many extensive 
and valuable industries, the most important of which ai'e the Norfolk and Western 
and machine shops, for the manufacture and repair of rolling stock, the largest and 
finest locomotives and passenger coaches. These shops now employ 2,300 men, an 
extensive addition being built, which will increase the working force to at least 
3,800. The total number of men now employed in the Roanoke shops of the Nor- 
folk and Western Railway Company, the extensive general offices and yards, in- 
cluding the trainmen and enginemen, who have their homes in the city, is, accord- 
ing to the secretary of the Roanoke Chamber of Commerce, about 4,700, and the 
aggregate amount of money paid to these employees monthly is $256,000. 

There are also employed by other industries in the city fully 1,500 men, with an 
average monthly pay roll of over $75,000 more. These figures do not include the 
employees of the various wholesale and retail mercantile houses nor the large force 
engaged now in constiiiction of various kinds. 

Among the principal industries of the city which attract the attention of the in- 
terested visitor are the Stone Printing and Manufacturing Company, one of the 



291 

largest plants of the kind in the South; Fishburne Smoking Tobacco Factory; West 
End Furnace; American Iron Company, a Pennsylvania corporation; Roanoke 
Elevator and j\Iilling Company, capacity 325 barrels of flour per day; twin fur- 
naces of the Virginia Iron, Coal and Coke Company; Roanoke Cotton Mill; Vir- 
ginia Brewing Company and Cold Storage Plant; -Blue Ridge Overalls Company; 
planing mills; knitting mill; sash, door and blind factories; Exchange Lumber 
Company; Virginia Lumber Manufacturing Company; Hammond Printing Works; 
fertilizer factory; barrel and stave factory; Rockhill Foundry and Machine Shops; 
Roanoke Boiler and Sheet Iron Repair Shop; candy factory, and one of the largest 
manufacturers and shippers of marble and granite monuments in the South; also 
the Roanoke Clay Manufacturing Company, near the city; the Randolph Market 
Company; Southern Chemical Fertilizer Company, and Virginia Bridge and Iron 
Company, the largest of the kind in the South. 

The department of commerce and labor at Washington reports that in 1900 
Roanoke had 38 establishments, employing a capital of $1,915,647. She had, 
in 1995, 54 estabhshments, employing a capital of $2,656,626. Wage earners had 
increased 27 per cent, fr m 2,431 to 3,089, and wages 37 per cent, from $1,106,948 
to $1,525,983. The large, almost palatial, wholesale and retail stores and other 
handsome business houses and the numerous handsome banks and other public 
buildings, to say nothing of many beautiful private residences, can not be specified 
in a work of this character. They are equal in style and appearance to those of 
our larger cities, and the pretty, well-appointed post office shows yearly a large 
increase of business. The hotel accommodations are exceptional. There are five 
comfortable and well-equipped hotels, some of them luxurious in their appoint- 
ments, which invite much travel and many large conventions and religious gath- 
erings. 

The electric street car system is very complete, and reaches beyond the corporate 
limits to Salem, six miles, and to Vinton two miles. Five million gallons daily 
of sparkling water gushes from a single spring, at the foot of Mill mountain, and 
is distributed all over the city. Sewerage is good, the air is pure, and climate as 
healthful as an altitute of 1,000 feet among the Blue Ridge mountains would be 
expected to furnish, while a very fertile adjacent country supplies an abundance of ■ 
farm and dairy products, fniits, fowls and vegetables. 

With thi-ee such daily newspapers as the Times, Evening World and Evening 
News, and a live Chamber of Commerce, to put all of Roanoke's advantages before 
the public, and keep them there; and with its finances managed and fostered by 
six excellent banks, with combined resources of $3,729,065 and net surplus of 
$384,571, it is not surprising that the city chartered in 1884 with a population of 
five thousand has forged constantly ahead. 

In 1906 the immense dam constracted by the Roanoke Water Power Company, 
on the Roanoke river, about four miles east of the city, was completed. The 
height of the dam is 48 feet at the gates, giving a fall of water of 64 feet at the 
power house, developing about 3,000 horse power. This plant furnishes light and 
power for the large manufacturing interest, and private residences of the city. 

The census of 1900 gave Roanoke a population of 21,495, the city census, taken 
in January, 1904, showed 26,443 and it is estimated that the population May 1st, 
1906, closely approximates, if it does not reach, 30,000, over 700 dwelhngs having 
been erected in the two years of 1904-0. . Since then there has been a steady 
and substantial growth. 



STAUNTON. 

The city of Staunton, the county seat of Augusta, which, according to the census 
of 1900 is the largest county in area in Virginia, is the leading city of the Shenai idoah 
valley, being the only city of the first class in this great valley, having been advanced 
to that dignity by the legislature of 1906, as the local census taken in 1905 showed 
a population of 11,330. 



293 

Being one of the oldest cities of the commonwealth, incorporated in 1748, by 
the General Assembly of Virginia, it has an interesting chapter of its history^con- 
nected with the Revolutionary War. On June 4, 1781, the Legislature of Virginia, 
which had been driven out of Richmond in January, by the traitor, Benedict Ar*nold,' 
took refuge in Charlottesville, and, on the approach of Col. Tarleton of the Royal- 
ist troops, adjourned to meet in Staunton, June 7th. It met on that date in the 
Episcopal Church, and subsequently elected a governor, Thomas Nelson, Jr., and 
a delegation to Congress, headed by James Madison. Her history in connection 
also with the Mexican war, whose veterans were among the last and most gallant 
survivors, the war of 1812, that of the war between the States and the Spanish war, 
has been most honorable, in all of which conflicts her sons, to an unusual number', 
fell gloriously on the field of battle, fighting for their native State^ or survived' 
beloved and honored. 

The city was named in honor of Lady Staunton, the wife of Governor Gooch, and 
is beautifidly situated among the hills of "West Augusta," made historic by'the 
boast of Washington that there, if necessary, he would make his last stand against 
the armies of King George. 

As an evidence of the willingness of the citizens to co-operate in an aggressive 
movement for the well-being of the city, is the fact that Staunton is the first place 
to appoint a business manager, who acting under the control and management of 
the City Council, and within the requirements of the State Constitution, will 
practically be the manager of the city, and devote his entire time to the develop- 
ment of the city's best interests. The outcome, which promises the most gratifying 
success, will be watched with much interest by the other cities of the Common- 
wealth. 

It has long been the seat of two great Virginia public institutions, the Western 
State Hospital for the Insane, with its twelve hundred patients and attendants, and 
the Vu'gmia School for the Deaf and the Blind, having two hundred and seventy 
pupils, teachers and employees. It is also pre-eminently an educational center, its 
reputation in that regard being national, based upon the successfid establishment 
withm her midst of four large schools, two male and two female, which draw their 
patronage from well-nigh every State in the Union— the Mary Baldwin Female 
Semmary, Virginia Female Institute, Staunton Male Academy and Dunsmore 
Busmess College, with a total of about one thousand students. " The buildings of 
each of these institutions are capacious and handsome, and their principals and 
faculty are men and women of learning and ability. Besides these the public 
scbocls are furnished with two large and modern buildings, for white and colored 
separately, and are well equipped and conducted, affording instruction for one 
thousand or more of the city's youth; also there is no lack of good private schools 
for both sexes. 

The number of churches is unusually large, nineteen in all, including three • 
chapels, the auditorium and five colored churches, with a total membership of over 
SIX thousand, about one-half of the people being church members, white and col- 
ored, while five of the church edifices are new buildings, and all of them, with 
one or two exceptions, are very handsome. The Young Men's Christian Associ- 
ation owns a pretty and expensive building, which is perfectly equipped and well 
patronized, with a large and helpful Ladies' Auxiliary. The new Kings Daugh- 
ters Hospital is a humane institution invaluable to the'^city and county. "Staunton 
is notably a church-going people and a moral and cultivated community. 

Staunton is justly proud of her banking facilities. There are four banks, having 
capital, surplus and profits, which on the 14th day of May, 1908, amounted to 
$752,766.65, with deposits of $2,345,160.40, and resources of $3,378,927.05. 
These figures speak volumes for the soundness of local business conditions; and a 
fact that should not be overlooked is that during the recent panic the banks of 
Staunton discounted all good paper ottered by their depositors, and never suspended 
payment of currency on any checks presented. It is needless to sav more than 
this to any thinking man. 

The others are the Augusta National, Farmers and Merchants, and Staunton 
National. The latest and best improvement in Staunton is the new Chesapeake 
and Ohio depot, just completed, at a cost of some $60,000. It is 125 feet long by 



•295 

40 feet wide, of white pressed brick, heated with steam, and lighted with both gas 
and electricity. There is a covered train shed, curved with the track, 650 feet long, 
and enclosed by a six-foot iron fence. It is stated, on railroad authority, that 
more tickets are sold at Staunton than at any point on the road between Richmond 
and Cincinnati. Another noted improvement in the city is the Augusta county 
building, recently completed, opposite the new and handsome court house. It is 
a pretty three-story brick, and cost twenty-two thousand dollars. 

Since the completion of two large new hotels this year, near the depot, Staunton 
is well supplied with accommodations for the traveling public, having six good 
hotels and several fashionable boarding houses, all of which are necessary to accom- 
modate the large and increasing demand of summer visitors, who divide their time, 
in the vacation season, between this place and the nearby or convenient mineral 
springs from the Stribling and Mount Elliott springs, in the county, to the famous 
White Sulphur, ninety-six-miles distant. Of these there are eight or ten wndely 
known mountain resorts within three hours of Staunton, which itself has an alti- 
tude of 1,500 feet, and is crowded with summer visitors every season. There 
are five live newspapers of which two — a morning and evening — are dailies, be- 
sides three published at the institutions of the city. 

Although Staunton has special reputation as an educational and society city, 
there are a number of flourishing manufactories, the chief of which may be named 
as Putnam's Organ Factory; Virginia-Carolina Chemical Company; Bell's Barrel 
Factory; Stockton & Bros.' Iron Works; Hardwood Lumber Company; Reinhart 
and Swartzell's Foundry; Hardy's Carriage Factory; Partlow's Wagon Works; 
Larner & Smith's; Palmer Building Blocks; Glenn and Crawford's Ice Factory; 
Clem Brothers' Ice Factory and an overall factory, and the large White Star Roller 
Mills — two plants — making it a fine wheat and flour market. 

Staunton is located on the great Valley pike, one of the finest macadamized 
roads in the State. The Parkersburg pike, the old stage line leading from Staunton 
west, into the fertile valleys of Highland and on into West Virginia, is an excellent 
mountain road and another valuable feeder to Staunton trade, which is dispropor- 
tionately large for its population, on account of the thousands of non-producers 
in the School and State institutions there, who must be clothed and fed while they 
do not compete with labor. Hence there are an unusual number of diy goods, fine 
shoe, clothing, jewelry, di-ug, grocery and book stores, for a city of its size, and an 
air of business activity is the normal condition of its thoroughfares, which lead 
into a rich adjacent farming country. The hills and shaded stieets furnish pretty 
sites for handsome residences, of which there are not a few, many of them recently 
built, and while proud of her historic past the people of the "Queen City" of the 
Valley are actively alive to her present, and bravely planning for a still more pros- 
perous future. 



WILLIAMSBURG. 

The City of Williamsburg, hke many of the old towns of Virginia, has of recent 
years, "come out of the wilderness," and come out faster than most of them. 
The oldest town of the oldest State in the Union, its history is linked with the 
history of the country, and w^hile the past is interesting, the present is profitable 
reading. It is located on a ridge midway between the James and York rivers, 
known in colonial times as the Middle Plantation. The acts passed for its settle- 
ment were in 1632 and 1633. In 1644, upon the petition of the inhabitants of 
Middle Plantation Parish and Harris Parish, the two were incorporated into 
Middletown Parish. 

After the State House at Jamestown was burned, an act directing the building 
of the capitol and city of WiUiamsburg was passed in 1699, and the seat of govern- 
ment removed from Jamestown to Wilhamsburg, and the General Assembly met 
in "His Majesties' Royall College of WilHam and Mary," until October, 1705, when 
it met for the first time in the new capitol. The capitol building opposite the 
college was burned in 1746, and having been rebuilt, was burned again in 1832, and 
a female seminary built upon the site. The palace of the governor of the colony 



296 

was situated on Palace Green, the site noAv occupied by a school, the property of 
William and Mary College. 

A magazine was erected in 1714, which long known as "the powder horn," was 
falling into ruins, when it was repaired by the Society for the Preservation of Vir- 
ginia Antiquities, and is now used as a museum, and viewed with much interest 
by visitors. The beautiful old church, Bruton, with tombs more than two hundred 
vears old; the former residence of Chancellor Wythe; the headquarters of Wash- 
ington, in 1787"; the house where Lafayette was entertained during his last visit to 
America — all are points of interest in the old Williamsburg. 

The contrast with the new is striking, and in this era of progress still more 
interesting as follows: 

The Peninsula Bank, organized in April, 1897, with a capital of $10,000, has now 
a capital of $30,000, with a surplus fund in excess of its capital. The deposits 
are over $300,000. The Banking Company of L. L. Dirrickson, Jr., with main 
office on Chincoteague Island, Accomac county, has a branch in Williamsburg, 
established in 1904, which also does a good business. Each bank has a substan- 
tial brick building in the center of the town. 

The census of 1900 gives 2,044, as the population. It is conservative to say 
there has been an increase of 25 per cent, since the census was taken, and nothing 
short of 3,000 is expected to be the figure in 1910. 

The principal industrial establishment is that of the Williamsburg Knitting 
Mill Company, which has 160 employees, male and female. This concern is 
capitalized at $80,000, and shipped men's winter underwear to the amount of 
$200,000 in 1905, consignments going chiefly to the large cities of the middle 
western United States, and the cities on the eastern coast of the country. The 
demand for the product is always far in excess of the supply, so the production 
has to be gi-eatlv increased each vear. This concern naid out $40,000 in wages 
in 1905. 

There are a number of sawmills near Williamsburg, which find their way to 
market thi'ough the city, and whose employees live there. The largest of these is 
the permanent and modernly equipped plant of Bozarth Bros., which turns out 
all kinds of rough lumber and finished products in wood. 

The Galba Vaiden Ice Factory supplies the city and adjoining counties with its 
product. 

The Williamsburg Warehousing Company has a fireproof brick wai-ehouse for 
public storage. This was built in 1906. 

The public schools of the city are of a very high grade, and the amount spent 
by the municipality is 25 per cent, larger than that spent by any place of approxi- 
mately the same size in the State. The primary grades to which a modern kin- 
dergarten is attached are managed in conjunction with the college as a model 
school, only highly trained and well-paid teachers being employed, and the meth- 
ods and equipment are on a par with those of the very be.st and most modern city 
system in the United States. 

William and Mary College, antedating Harvard in all respects except the actual 
date of its charter "(1619), is too well known to be described. Its histoiy is the 
history of the United States and Virginia, and it claims among its alumni such 
men as Presidents Jefi'erson, Monroe and Tyler, Chief Justice Marshall, Gen. Win- 
field Scott, besides a host of others. 

Its present is less well known than its past, but the facts are that with its roll 
of 250 students (1905-06) it is the largest college in Virginia, outside of the techni- 
cal and professional schools. It is a high grade college and its students take high 
rank at the largest universities of the country. It has an appropriation of $25,000 
from the State, in return for which it maintains a high grade normal college and 
practice school. 

As a commercial asset, it brings about an expenditure of about $50,000 to 
$60,000 per annum to .the city. 

The Eastern State Hospital (for the insane), the oldest in the United States, can 
not be classed under the heads just considered, but its 700 patients and 100 em- 
ployees constitute a distinctly valuable commercial asset of the city in that their 



297 

care and maintenance bring about the expenditure of $80,000 per annum, a por- 
tion of which Williamsburg gets the benefits of. 

Two weekly newspapers flourish here, the Old Virginia Gazette, established in 
1730, and the Williamsburg Sun, established in 1906, one hundred and seventy 
years later. 

Williamsburg, long regarded as the private domain of students of historical 
antiquities, has become, within the past few years, one of the most thriving and 
growing places in^Virginia. 

WINCHESTER. 

Winchester, the county seat of Frederick, is situated in the eastern part of ^the 
county, and has a population, by census of 1900, of 5,161. It is the recognized 
metropolis of one of the richest sections of the State and is a delightful and health- 
ful little city with an altitude above tidewater of 717 feet. Its people have ever 
been noted for their old Vii'ginia hospitality and superior educational and social 
attainments, and in business matters are enterprising and public-spirited. The 
city has electric lights and gas, and is abundantly supplied with pure spring water. 
The streets are well macadamized, several of them paved with vitrified brick. 

There are few cities in Virginia accessible by as many and as good roads, there 
being five excellent macadamized pikes leading out of the city in as many different 
directions into a farming section of rare fertility, and on to such central points as 
Staunton, Va.; Martinsburg, Romney, and Morefield, West Virginia; Berryville 
and Alexandria; through the great agricultural county of Loudoun and on to 
Front Royal. The Baltimore and Ohio railroad, up and down the great valley 
and the Cumberland valley, going northwest into West Virginia and Maryland, 
via Martinsburg, furnish all needed railway facilities. 

Winchester's manufactures are varied and flourishing, among which gloves are 
notably prominent and widely known, made by three large factories, William C. 
Graichen, Fred. A. Grachien and Sister, and Anderson & Son, and shipped to prin- 
cipal points north and south; a woolen mill, knitting factoiy, several building and 
brick and cabinet making firms, steam and water flouring mills, and other flour- 
ishing industries. 

The merchants are live and progressive, a^nd deal in every line of goods demanded 
by the fashionable, the affluent or the working people of any good city, and the 
business houses, wholesale and retail, are large and handsome. The banks are the 
Shenandoah Valley, Union, and Farmers and Merchants National, and some of the 
bank buildings are unusually elegant. Winchester is well equipped for the educa- 
tion of its youth, having 600 pupils in the white and 160 in the colored public 
schools, which stand high, also two superior female seminaries, and two private 
schools of high standing. All of the leading religious denominations are represented 
in the fourteen churches, of which four are colored, and several of them have fine 
church buildings, a very large proportion of the population being church members 
and churchgoers. 

The hotel accommodations are ample for the traveling public, and they are gen- 
erally full, especially in the summer, when there is an influx of visitors unusual for 
a city of its size, many being brought here by its reputation as a pleasant health- 
restoring, summering place. 

The historical interest attaching to Winchester is remarkable, dating back to the 
time of Washington, who built here the first fort west of the Blue Ridge. It first 
became a chartered town in 1852, and eight years after, in the beginning of the war 
between the States, it was occupied by Stonewall Jackson, who there established 
the base of his operations, from which time, during the whole four years of the 
bloody conflict that followed, it was famous as the center of contending armies. 
It was taken and retaken, occupied and reoccupied, changing hands more than two 
score times. Some fierce engagements took place in its very streets and several 
g reat battles were fought around it, so near that shot and shell ploughed up its 
p av.ements and battered its houses. The change that forty years have wrought 

s most striking. Two large, beautiful and well-kept cemeteries, one for the Con- 

ederate dead, the other for the Federal, adorned with manj^ handsome and costly 



298 

monuments, evergreens and shi-ubbery, are maintained side by side on the edge 
of the town, and the survivors and friends of both armies visit them with eulogies 
and flowers for the dead, while citizens from the North mingle in business and 
society and unite their efforts for the upbuilding of the progressive city. 

Using part of a Winchester special to the Times-Dispatch of date January 1st, 
1906, the following resume is pertinent: 

"The year just closing has been one of great prosperity for Winchester and the 
surrounding county. Success seems to have smiled in a lavish jnanner upon all 
undertakings, and new industries have been instituted. All crops were excellent, 
and the farmers were blessed. In Winchester the various business houses had 
more success than for years, the local factories were kept busy, the various artisans 
had work all the year round — something hitherto unusual — and the people, while 
spending comparatively freely, were provident enough to bank some of their funds 
for the proverbial rainy day. The three banks of the city show this by a look at 
their deposits. In five years, deposits at the banks have increased slightly more 
than one million dollars, the total deposits being over two millions. City property 
has increased in value and there are some farms in the country for which the 
owners have been offered two hundred dollars per acre. 

"There were about twenty thousand barrels of apples in cold storage. The 
receipts from this industry, apples, labor and barrels, have been conservatively 
placed at not less than two hundred thousand dollars. In the city the real estate is 
estimated at between four and five millions. Since last December the corporate 
limits have been extended, giving the city a population of more than seven thousand. 
Forty-two buildings have been erected during the year, including a number of 
handsome homes and a four-story brick business house, the first department store 
for Winchester. A trolley line is designed to cross the Blue Ridge and go into 
Washington. It is projected by the leading men of this section, who already have 
spent thousands for the erection of a monster dam and power house on the Shenan- 
doah river in Jefferson county, W. Va., and have secured the contract to furnish 
lights for this city. 



GENERAL INDEX 



Agricultural Resources 28 

Appalachia 25 

Climate of Virginia 26 

Commercial Facilities 52 

Educational Advantages ^ 55 

Forests 45 

Fruits 49 

General Description of the State I7 

Introduction by E. R. Chestei'man 5 

Judiciary System 73 

Letters of Interest to Home Seekers 29 

Mineral Resources of Virginia 47 

Natural Divisions of the State I7 

Natural Wonders 53 

Piedmont Virginia 23 

Possibilities of Production in Norfolk County 38 

Rivers and Water Supply 41 

State Board of Education 7I 

State Government of Virginia 65 

The Valley '.'.'.'.'.'.'.'..'.'.'. 25 

Virginia Representation ifi Congress 70 

Water Power 43 

What the Governor of Virginia Says 11 

INDEX TO COUNTIES OF VIRGINIA. 

Accomac 81 

Albemarle 85 

Alexandria 88 

Alleghany 89 

Amelia •. . : 9] 

Amherst 92 

Appomattox 93 

Augusta ' 95 

Bath ' 97 

Bedford ' 100 

Bland 101 

Botetourt 103 

Brunswick 105 

Buchanan 105 

Buckingham 106 

Campbell 109 

Caroline Ill 

Carroll 113 

Charles City 115 

Charlotte 117 

Chesterfield - 118 

Clarke 120 

Craig 122 

Culpepper 123 

Cumberland 124 

Dickenson 125 

Dinwiddle 126 



300 

Elizabeth City 127 

Essex 131 

Fairfax 132 . 

Fauquier : 134 

Floyd 135 

Fluvanna 137 

Franklin . . 13& 

Frederick . .: 140 

Giles 141 

Gloucester 145 

Goochland 147 

Grayson 149 

Greene 150 

Greenesville 151 

Halifax :. . 151 

Hanover 153 

Henrico 154 

Henrv 155 

Highland 159 

Isle of Wight 160 

James City 161 

King and Queen 163 

King George 165 

King William 166 

Lancaster 167 

Lee 168 

Loudoun 171 

Louisa 173 

Lunenburg 175 

Madison '. : 177 

Mathews 178 

Mecklenburg '. 179 

Middlesex „ _ 182 

Montgomery 183 

Nansemond 186 

Nelson 187 

New Kent 189 

Norfolk 191 

Northampton • ■ 194 

Northumberland 194 

Nottoway 195 

Orange ' 196 

Page 197 

Patrick : .199 

Pittsvlvania 201 

Powhatan 203 

Prince Edward 205 

Prince George 206 

Princess Ann 207 

Prince William 209 

Pulaski 212 

Rappahannock 214 

Richmond 214 

Roanoke 215 

Rockbridge 219 

Rockingham .■ 222 

Russell 225 

Scott 226 

Shenandoah . .^ ' 227 



301 

Smyth 229 

Southampton 231 

Spotsylvania 233 

Stafford 234 

Surry '.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'..['.'. 235 



Sussex 



237 



Tazewell 237 

Warren 241 

Warwick 243 

Washington 244 

Westmoreland 246 

Wise 247 

Wythe ..'.■..'. 251 

York 253 



INDEX TO CITIES OF VIRGINIA. 



Alexandria 



257 



Bristol 257 

Buena Vista 258 

Charlottesville 959 

Danville 9gQ 

Fredericksburg 263 

Lynchburg '. '.'■'.'..'.'.'.'.'..'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.. 265 

Manchester 9gj 

Newport News 269 

Norfolk ;■ 271 

Petersburg 9^5 

Portsmouth 979 

Richmond 28'> 

Roanoke '. 9gQ 

Staunton 291 

Williamsburg 295 

Winchester ^q-j 

INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS. 

A Day's Sport jj4 

A Fine Crop of Forage ' . ' " 216 

Alfalfa in Charlotte County n^ 

Alfalfa Institute Train 24 

Alkali Works, Smyth County ' 228 

An Old Virginia Home " g 

Apple Crop, Augusta County 96 

Apple Orchard in Albemarle County , , , 34 

Apple Orchard Twenty Years Old 138 

A Profitable Hay Crop . . . 218 

A Tobacco Warehouse in Danville 14g 

A White Pine Forest 146 

Bathing on the Virginia Coast 16 

Bachelor, a Virginia-Bred Horse " . " ' 22 

Bird's-eye View of Cornfield, Henrico County 6 

Children Going Home from School, Augusta County :......' 48 

Coal jNIines, Wise County ' 248 

Corn Field ' 220 

Country Scene in Bedford County 10 

Duck Farm in Warren County .......' 242 

Eustis Copper Smelter, Norfolk 272 

Field of Cowpeas jjq 

Fishing in Virginia Waters .'.'..." 14 

Flour Mills at Staunton 292 



302 

Gov. Claude A. Swanson 64 

Grapes Growing in Southside Virginia 176 

Growing Onions in Virginia 32 

Hay Field in Virginia 114 

Highland Springs Schoolhouse, Henrico County 50 

Hughes Gold Mine, Fluvanna Countv 136 

"In the Shade of the Old Apple Tree" 198 

Iron Furnace at Roanoke 290 

Iron Ore Miiie, Wythe County 250 

Just from the Pasture 210 

Limestone Quarry, Botetourt Coimty 102 

Locomotive Works in Richmond 284 

Modern Schoolhouse in Eastern Virginia 60 

Natural Bridge — One of the Seven Wonders of the World 42 

Naval Rendezvous, Hampton Roads 128 

New Road Building in Virginia ■ 256 

Oat Field in Henry County 156 

Old Virginia Home on the Rappahannock River 12 

One Hundred and Sixty- Acre Field of Cowpeas 232 

Paragon Chestnuts 254 

Pear Orchard Five Years Old 148 

Picking Strawberries 144 

Plowing Sod Land for Corn 202 

Pork Fattened on Cowpeas , 158 

Portland Cement Works, Augusta County 94 

Potato Field in Tidewater Virginia .* 188 

Powhatan Manufacturing Company, Amelia County 90 

Pyrites Mines of Sulphur Mines and Railroad Company, Louisa County 172 

Salt Water Bathing on the Virginia Coast 208 

Seining Fish in Virginia Waters 236 

Silk Mills in Fredericksburg ' 264 

Sheep Pasture in Eastern Virginia 130 

Shipping Truck on the Eastern Shore of Virginia 192 

Shipping Winter Lambs 122 

Spring Truck from the City of Norfolk 274 

State Capitol Building at Richmond 286 

Summer Apples 252 

Trolley Cars Through the Trucking Fields 190 

Turkey Raising in Eastern Virginia 164 

University of Virginia at Charlottesville : . • 46 

Virginia Apples — State Horticultural Exhibit 82 

Virginia Commercial Orchard 98 

Virginia Corn 30 

Virginia Fine Cattle 184 

Virginia Fish and Game Exhibit at World's Fair . 18 

Virginia Grazing Farm 238 

Virginia Horticultural Exhibit at the World's Fair 54 

Virginia Iron Furnace 62 

Virginia Peaches 180 

Virginia Peach Orchard 84 

Virginia Saddle Horses 170 

Virginia Shorthorns • 224 

Virginia Tobacco Field 204 

Virginia Winesap Orchard 88 

Westover, on James River 20 

Wheat Field in the Mountain Section ■ 108 

Wheat Field in Virginia 294 

White Pine Forests 112 

Woodenware Works in Richmond 280 



LE Je '09 



Virginia. 
CHIEF CITIES^ 

Pep.— Thsusaoai. 
87 BlclimoQd 

«7Nortolfe..s« 
29 Newport 



25 Boanofee.Q S3 
88 LjaehbuTe' 

22 Petersborg 

19 Jrortsmonth 

l808nvlUe.U8l 

15 AlexandrJa 

10 Manchester 

P 87 
7 Staunton.. L 28 
6 Cnarlottesvuie 

Al 32 
6 Winchester 

F 34 
S Prederlcks- 

o Berkley...! 45 
5 Bristol F 22 
4 Suffolk.. ::t 43 
4 Harrisonburg 

3 Salem o ^ 
3 Radford '"Eiq 
8 Cllftonforge 

3 Lexington "^^ 

^WythevlUe^^*' 

3 National ® ^^ 
Soldiers Home 

a Pulaski City 

K 17 
3 Pocahontas 

3 Hampton .R 4 
3 Chlncoteague 
Island.. M 51 
;* 1 armville.Q 32 
8 Bedford city 

S Buenavlata^ ^ 

gMartlnsTiiie^ 

8 Blackstone^ ^ 

a Marlon n 2- 
3 Wllliamsburp 

8 S^ Boston. § 
3 warrenton 

2 Culpeper 
* Blgstone ( 

2 Graham. 
2 Leesburg 
1 Vinton 
i James F 

I Creire 

1 W£3tp. 

I Ablng. 
1 Basic I 
1 Scotts 

ITangf 
1 Smith 
1 Sbent 

I Lnra-- 
1 Ashli 
1 Fran 
1 Taze 
1 Woo 

1 Salt! 

1 Cf^r^r 

IT 
1 



WESTERN pl 
OF 




Whitesbu 



m 



ahand^bo© 




PUBLISHEP BY THE 

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
IM Ml GYRATION 

COMPILED UNDER THE OIRECTIOH OFGED.WKOINER COMMISSIONER 



■K 



302 

Gov. Claude A. Swanson 64 

Grapes Growing in Southside Virginia 176 

Growing Onions in Virginia 32 

Hay Field in Virginia 114 

Highland Springs Schoolhouse, Henrico County 50 

Hughes Gold Mine, Fluvanna County 136 

"In the Shade of the Old Apple Tree" - 198 

Iron Furnace at Roanoke 290 

Iron Ore Mine, Wythe County 250 

Just from the Pasture 210 

Limestone Quarrj', Botetourt County 102 

Locomotive Works in Richmond 284 

Modern Schoolhouse in Eastern Virginia 60 

Natural Bridge — One of the Seven Wonders of the World 42 

Naval Rendezvous, Hampton Roads 128 

New Road Building in Virginia 256 

Oat Field in Henry County , 156 

Old Virginia Home on the Rappahannock River 12 

One Hundred and Sixty-Acre Field of Cowpeas 232 

Paragon Chestnuts 254 

Pear Orchard Five Years Old 148 

Picking Strawberries 144 

Plowing Sod Land for Corn '. 202 

Pork Fattened on Cowpeas 158 

Portland Cement Works, Augusta County 94 

Potato Field in Tidewater Virginia • 188 

Powhatan Manufacturing Company, Amelia County 90 

Pyrites Mines of Sulphur Mines and Railroad Company, Louisa County 172 

Salt Water Bathing on the Virginia Coast 208 

Seining Fish in Virginia Waters 236 

Silk Mills in Fredericksburg ■. 264 

Sheep Pasture in Eastern Virginia 130 

Shipping Truck on the Eastern Shore of Virginia 192 

Shipping Winter Lambs 122 

Spring Truck from the City of Norfolk '. 274 

State Capitol Building at Richmond 286 

Summer Apples ; 252 

Trolley Cars Through the Trucking Fields 190 

Turkey Raising in Eastern Virginia 164 

LTniversity of Virginia at Charlottesville ■. . ■ 46 

Virginia Apples — State Horticultural Exhibit 82 

Virginia Commercial Orchard 98 

Virginia Corn 30 

Virginia Fine Cattle 184 

Virginia Fish and Game Exhibit at World's Fair . 18 

Virginia Grazing Farm 238 

Virginia Horticultural Exhibit at the World's Fair 54 

Virginia Iron Furnace 62 

Virginia Peaches 180 

Virginia Peach Orchard 84 

Virginia Saddle Horses 170 

Virginia Shorthorns 224 

Virginia Tobacco Field 204 

Virginia Winesap Orchard 88 

Westover, on James Rivei- 20 

Wheat Field in the Mountain Section ■ 108 

Wheat Field in Virginia 294 

White Pine Forests 112 

Woodenware Works in Richmond 280 



L& Je '09 



"Wrglnlft. 
CHIEF CITIES^ 

Pep.— Theusasdi. 

87 Kichmond 

67 Norfolk .,s 45 
29 Newport 
„, News... .8 43 
25Boanoke.Q2S 

88 Lfaclibweg 

88 Peteraburg 

19 Portsmontli 
T44 

16 Danville. Use 

IS Alexandria 

10 Manchester 

7 Staunton..! 28 
e Cnarlottesviiie 

6 Winchester 

F 34 
5 Frederlcks- 
- -a burg^K 87 
5 Berkley...! 45 
5 Bristol F 29 
4 Suffolk.. ::t 43 

4 Harrisonburg 

3 Salem 6 22 
3 Radford" "e jq 

5 Cllf tonforge 

3 Lexington 

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8 National ® ^® 
Soldiers Home 

S Covington N 22 
8 Pulaski City 

S Pocahontas 

8 Hampton .R 44 
3 Chlncoteague 
Island.. M 51 
i larmviHe.Q 32 
a Bedford City 

2 Buenavlsta^ ^ 

2 Martinsville 

S Blackstone'^ ^ 

2Phoebus...S45 
* Marlon,, d g- 
3 WllHamsburp- 

2 8. Boston. § 
8 warrenton 

T 

2 Culpeper 
2 Bigstone "( 

2 Graham.. 
2 Leesburg 
1 Vinton 
1 James F 

I Crewe 
1 Wcstpi' 
1 Ablng. 
1 Basle I 
1 Scotts 

J Jangj 
I Smith 
1 Sbent 

1 Lura' 
1 Ashli 
1 Fran 
1 Taze 
1 Woo 

1 Salti 
1 Cv-f 

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PUBLISHED BY THE 

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
IMMIG^RATION 

COMPILED UNDER THE DIRECTIDH OF GEO.W.KDINER COMMISSIONER 



